It was certainly a haunted land.
Finding that there was no more to be learnt from the bushmen, Leonard suffered them to depart, which they did at considerable speed, and ordered the Settlement men to make ready to march.

But now a fresh difficulty arose.

The interpreter had repeated all the bushmen's story to his companions, among whom, it is needless to say, it produced no small effect.

Therefore when the bearers received their orders, instead of striking the little tent in which Juanna slept, and preparing their loads as usual, after a brief consultation they advanced upon Leonard in a body.
"What is it, Peter ?" he asked of the headman.
"This, Deliverer: we have travelled with you and the Shepherdess for three full moons, enduring much hardship and passing many dangers.
Now we learn that there lies before us a land of cold and darkness, inhabited by devils who worship a devil.

Deliverer, we have been good servants to you, and we are not cowards, as you know, but it is true that we fear to enter this land." "What do you wish to do then, Peter ?" asked Leonard.
"We wish to return whence we came, Deliverer.