CHAPTER ONE.
THE BOORS.
Hendrik Von Bloom was a _boor_.
My young English reader, do not suppose that I mean any disrespect to Mynheer Von Bloom, by calling him a "boor." In our good Cape colony a "boor" is a farmer.

It is no reproach to be called a farmer.

Von Bloom was one--a Dutch farmer of the Cape--a boor.
The boors of the Cape colony have figured very considerably in modern history.

Although naturally a people inclined to peace, they have been forced into various wars, both with native Africans and Europeans; and in these wars they have acquitted themselves admirably, and given proofs that a pacific people when need be can fight just as well as those who are continually exulting in the ruffian glory of the soldier.
But the boors have been accused of cruelty in their wars--especially those carried on against the native races.

In an abstract point of view the accusation might appear just.