They proceeded to make the most.
They compelled the natives to work for them without pay,
in consideration of the privilege of living in "their country".
They made regular forays, carrying off the women and children as slaves.
They were cowardly as well as brutal, compelling friendly tribes
to accompany them on their excursions, putting them in front as a shield,
and coolly firing over their heads, till the enemy fled in despair,
leaving their women, children, and cattle as a prey.
So long as fire-arms could be kept from the natives the Boers
were sure of having it all their own way. But traders came
in the train of the missionaries, and sold guns and powder to the Bechuanas.
Sechele's tribe procured no less than five muskets. The Boers were alarmed,
and determined to drive missionaries and traders from the country.
In course of time Mr. Livingstone became convinced that
Bibles and preaching were not all that was necessary.
Civilization must accompany Christianization; and commerce was essential
to civilization; for commerce, more speedily than any thing else,
would break down the isolation of the tribes, by making them
mutually dependent upon and serviceable to each other.
It was well known that northward, beyond the desert, lay a great lake,
in the midst of a country rich in ivory and other articles of commerce.
In former years, when rains had been more abundant, the natives
had frequently crossed this desert; and somewhere near the lake
dwelt a famous chief, named Sebituane, who had once lived on friendly terms
in the neighborhood of Sechele, who was anxious to renew the old acquaintance.
Mr. Livingstone determined to open intercourse with this region,
in spite of the threats and opposition of the Boers.
