8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 1/58
Chapter One
The Khoi
“Sorceress, Sorceress! Burn her, burn her!”
The incessant chanting, nearly to a state of frenzy,
was sufficient to unnerve any creature that dared to
observe the spectacle from nearby, and it filled their
hearts with dread.
A woman, her face betrayed by unbridled forces in
attaining the years of twilight, and her lips parched from
the mid-day sun, shuffled her way through the boisterous
assembly until she had reached it’s foundation. With frail
hands gripped firmly around its base, she held a primitive
walking stick, thrusting it again and again high into the
balmy air. “She has doomed us, she has doomed us all!” the
old woman cried out, “She is a witch! Burn the witch! Burn
the witch!”
The fervor in her voice took by surprise a gangly
fellow standing nearby, who turn with staring eyes. And
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 2/58
when he had recovered his prior frame of mind, he echoed
the call of the old woman for a punishment of death.
Almost immediately, the demand had a domino effect on
the remaining one hundred twenty-five Khoi that gathered
that dark day; for those words she bellowed over and over
again, “Burn the witch, Burn the witch”, as if they were an
insidious virus, echoed from man to man, woman to woman,
and child to child.
They were a proud and cohesive people, the Khoi.
Members of the same patrilineal clan occupied the
encampment, along with their wives and children. The
natives herded cattle, goats and sheep. And after grazing
in the local region was depleted, the structures of the
Khoi were meticulously dismantled and re-erected in other
areas, overflowing with green grasses.
~~~~~~~
In a nearby reed-covered hut, the principal of them
all, made of bent, green branches planted into the ground,
a shaman, elders, and the Headman of the clan debated the
sentence handed down by the tribal council.
Eight men sat on the hard ground in a semi-circle,
each on a seat of brittle straw, and the shaman stood
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 3/58
gravely before them. A Headman tied the feathers of an
eagle’s wing around his head, as it was the custom. And
positioned slightly higher on a mound of dried mud, he
listened and observed an impassioned debate with keen
interest.
An elder, the most aged and a spindly chap, slowly
struggled to his feet. And in a surprisingly defiant and
reckless manner, with a furrowed brow, he turned toward the
leader of the clan. “The girl has broken the sacred law,”
he growled. “She must be punished!”
A few elders nodded in agreement.
“But, she is nothing but a misguided child!” defended
the shaman.
With burning eyes of those of a jealous rival, another
man, a grey-whiskered chap with a nose like the beak of a
African vulture, glared at the Shaman and barked, “But the
dark heart of the child has brought evil to the village!”
The shaman lips quivered slightly, his face cast down.
He lifted his head slowly, and turned an eyed toward the
Headman. “The heart of her,” said he, with a somber gaze,
“is no less impure than my heart——nor the heart of yours,
or that of any of you.”
The chieftain struck his long staff into the soft
ground with force. “Gunab the malevolent walks among us!
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 4/58
The girl, she belongs to Tsui, now,” he snarled through
badly worn teeth. He rose from his throne of hard earth,
with an angry gleam in his dark brown eyes and added, “It
is he who is god of all who practice the forbidden magic!”
Outside, at the center of the dwellings of the Khoi, a
young female of about Thirteen years of age stood on a pile
of dried brush. Fresh strips of cow hide bounded her small
hands and feet to a long wooden pole. Her tattered
garments, made of the skin of domesticated animals, hung
from a bruised body, and trickles of crimson ran from
between her parched lips.
A rarely used ritual, performed hours earlier to rid
the body of unclean spirits, was the cause of her extremely
dire state; and the body of the young girl testified to the
brutality of it in its entirety.
Those who were wisest within the tribal council had
shaven the head of the child to expel the evil, and left
dried sheep guts attached to the ankles as an anchor to a
deteriorating soul. Now and again, she mustered strength
enough to peer out at her boisterous accusers, through
swollen and blackened eyes.
Children of the village threw small stones and sticks
at the accused. The girl’s mother and other despondent
relatives stood at the forefront of the gathering, weeping
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 5/58
and pouring fine earth by the handfuls over heads and feet,
each to others.
The shaman exited the council hut after a short time,
and stood there for a moment with his staff, a thick piece
of wood with a bulbous head, gripped firmly in his hands. A
headdress of small beads and ostrich feathers blew gently
in the wind. And adorning his neck and wrist was a large
copper necklace and bracelets.
With a face, smooth and void of any expression, and
with soft eyes, he fixed his gaze upon the multitudes until
his presence silenced their madness.
The throng, it parted, creating an abandoned
passageway leading to the condemned. The shaman walked
slowly toward the young girl, occasionally looking into the
silent face of a man, woman, or child. And when he reached
the small mound of dried leaves and brittle sticks of a
Marula Tree, with a steady hand, he scooped water from a
hollowed trunk, and poured it between the bloodied lips of
the young girl. Words were whispered into her ear by the
medicine man, and then he turned to face his people, the
Khoi.
“Today, my beloved child is sacrificed,” said he, his
voice raised and slightly trembling, “so that all that once
was, shall be again. From this day forward let no one
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 6/58
speak ill words in her name.” He choose a large primitive
torch from a small pile, and placed the end of it into the
flames of a nearby fire, and bellowed, “May Gounja, the
chief of all gods, receive her soul in repentance and show
mercy toward us, his servants.”
Brushwood of the Marula tree was lit, and then the
shaman gathered his grieving wife and relatives and went to
his hut.
~~~~~~~
Ashes and bones were gathered into a large sheep skin
sack, the dawn after. Accompanied by members of the tribal
council, the shaman carried the remains to a dark and
mysterious place; a Khoi burial ground called the Cave of
Dreams where a proper grave was excavated.
A rite was performed which included the burning of
animal fat, and the swallowing of leaves of the most sacred
tree of the Khoi, the Marula.
The foliage, bitter to the taste, was unsettling to
the stomach. And as was the custom, the violent vomiting
that followed was directed toward the bottom of the emptied
grave.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 7/58
Above his head, the Shaman lifted a small cowhide
pouch. “May this offering guide the spirit of my child
safely into the after life, into the waiting arms of
Gounja,” he cried, placing it at the bottom of the grave.
After the sack which contained the remains of the
young girl was laid in the grave, and after her eternal
resting place was filled with rust-colored earth, the men
resealed the cave and began the three-day journey back to
the village.
~~~~~~~
When Europeans first encountered the Khoi, it was by
Dutch traders who had shipwrecked at the Cape of Good Hope
in 1649. They carried diseases unknown to the local
population, causing a pestilence that annihilated countless
African villages. Over a century and a half later, not only
the Dutch but also the British had taken control of much of
the land, using it for farming efforts. The Khoi, who were
considered a free people, became their chief source of wage
labor. Other races of color the colony did however consider
as slaves, which set the tone for relations between the
emergent white Afrikaner or Boer populations and the
Europeans.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 8/58
~~~~~~
A large fully-bearded gentleman, with wire spectacles
resting comfortably on the bridge of his nose, entered the
Great Hall and proceeded to delivered to the doorman a fine
military hat.
“The honorable Colonial Secretary, Colonel Christopher
Bird!” the fellow announced.
Dressed in fine garbs, the latest fashions of Europe,
distinguished guest mingled and drank expensive wine as a
string quartet entertained them with the great works of
Monteverdi and other fine composers.
The Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Du Pré
Alexander, with a strong-jawed rugged face, keen grey eyes,
and a wiry vigorous frame which had lost nothing of the
strength and activity of youth, stood within a trio of
petite British Royals who had just arrived on a massive
clipper out of London.
“You saw this?” A Duchess, the tallest asked him.
“As clearly as I see the lovely three of you.”
“And you said nothing?” asked another, with a thrill
in her voice.
“What was the use?”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 9/58
“I suppose, I myself would not have done so, but tell
me——how is it that no one else took notice?”
“They were blinded by a line of hedges, eight feet
high and impenetrable,” answered the Governor.
The third Duchess, a beautiful woman, graceful and
queenly, spoke with distain in her voice; that of a woman
scorned. “It seems rather natural, does it not? Lord Craven
possesses the manners of a vagabond of East London, and
that fact is quite known.”
Governor Du Pré Alexander chuckled. His head tilted
slightly to the side, and he leaned forward. “Yet,” said
he, his voice almost sinking to a whisper, “he still is a
man of intrigue and great influence.”
“Yes,” spoke softly, the tall Duchess, “odd, is it
not?”
They were interrupted by well-dressed, robustly built
fellow who bowed graciously, spoke a few words into the ear
of the Governor, and then pointed toward his associates who
were chatting with a wine servant across the great hall.
The Colonial Administrator excused himself, and was ushered
away by the gentleman to meet with the noblemen.
```````
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 10/58
In a comfortable corner, the gathering of wealthy
aristocrats conversed amongst themselves in low voices,
until the approaching presence of Governor Du Pré Alexander
was noticed.
The colony administrator had barely an opportunity to
settle his step before one of the landowners, a small dark-
eyed man with thick grey eyebrows, voiced a complaint. “We
are in desperate need of a larger labor force,” said he,
acrimoniously.
“I agree,” said the robust individual. “Under current
conditions, the colony can not possibly achieve export
projections and feed the increasing population, both.”
“And what actions have you taken against the
rebellious Dutch farmers, Governor?” asked Lord Craven, a
handsome and well-known gentleman in society circles of
London; mostly, on account of his charming personality.
“There is even word that they are secretly establishing an
office of magistracy.”
The most politically powerful and most senior of the
aristocrats drank from the glass of red wine in which he
held in his left hand. Tall, stout, grey-whiskered, and
solemnly respectable, his life story was written in his
heavy features and pretentious manner. With an intent
expression upon his face, flushed, and angry cheeks, the
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 11/58
irreproachable Englishman lifted his bulldog eyes toward
the Governor and snarled, “When will soldiers be dispatched
to guarantee the safety of the British settlers, the
citizens?”
They were powerful men, the noblemen. And because he
already faced an investigation over a suspect purchase of
property, and his appointment as Colony Administrator was
also questioned as being of a partisan assessment, the
Governor knew he would do well to garner as many political
allies in the outpost and in England as possible.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” spoke Governor Du Pré
Alexander in a conciliatory tone, “I can assure you, more
troops and additional slaves will be delivered to the
colony, soon. Why, General Craig himself has personally
assured me that the Boer revolt on the eastern frontier
will be crushed within a few weeks.”
“It’s a wonder anyone can make a decent living for
fear of those barbarians,” said one of the landowners. “It
is most improper——most outrageous, and I must insist upon
some explanation as to how the situation came to be so
utterly dire.”
“Perhaps the Governor has interest unknown to none
other but himself,” said another landowner.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 12/58
The eyes of the colonial administrator narrowed, and
his rugged face flushed to a dusky red. “Are you
questioning my loyalty, Mister McCartney?” he barked.
The outburst caused more than a few to turn their
head, and their curious stare caught the attention of Lord
Craven. “Gentlemen please, we must set a shining example of
civility for the sake of the local inhabitants,” he uttered
through a feeble smile.
With the rim of a glass of red wine pressed firmly
between his lips, he looked about the hall, meekly bowing
his head toward a trio of inquisitive female socialites.
His interest turned back to the Governor. “Sir, no one
doubts your allegiance,” he continued. “On the contrary, I
for one admire your steadfastness and devotion to the
colony, and that opinion is not alone mine——it is shared by
many here and in London. So, that being said, may I be so
bold as to have a word with you in private, regarding a
matter of considerable importance——over a new glass of
wine, perhaps?”
The Governor nodded in agreement and then, to the
consternation of the remaining aristocrats, he and Lord
Craven stepped away toward a large table filled with empty
glasses, and bottles of wine of every sort.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 13/58
“Sir, I have a rather unusual request——one, which
requires an utmost sensitivity,” began Lord Craven. “A
member of the House of Commons who fancies the study of
human development wishes to examine one of the local
inhabitants. I believe you refer to them as the Khoi.”
“I wasn’t informed of the arrival of any London
official,” said the governor, somewhat annoyed. “Where is
this person of whom you speak, Lord Craven?”
In hopes of discovering the identity of the
influential British politician, he took a fleeting look
about the hall.
“The gentleman has not yet visited the colony, sir,”
replied Lord Craven, “and as far as I am aware, he has no
immediate desire to do so.”
“I see. Well, you are aware of British colonial
policy——by parliamentary decree, although not considered
British subjects, the Khoi are, nevertheless, free people
and therefore ineligible for export.”
“He, the gentleman whom I represent, wishes to study
the barbarians, sir, not enslave the poor devils into a
life of servitude. The request is purely in the interest of
science.”
The governor considered the appeal for a brief moment
and then asked, “This politician, what is his name?”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 14/58
Lord Craven measured carefully his words before
surrendering a reply. “Because of the nature of the
matter,” said he, “and the politically important status of
the man, he wishes to remain anonymous. You understand of
course.”
“Of course,” said the governor, “but what am I to
benefit from such an arrangement?”
“Sir, I can assure you——”
A woman, dressed in a beautiful white gown, slowly
walked past them, interrupting the conversation. The
Governor grasped her hand, kissed it and then bowed.
Over the edge of a small and decorative paper fan, she
glanced at the handsome and clean-shaven face of Lord
Craven. “Madam” said he, greeting her with a slight bow of
the head.
Her eyes smiled, and then she departed, joining a
gathering of several other women on the far side of the
hall.
Lord Craven, who had lost interest while his gaze
trailed the graceful female, reclaimed his thoughts and was
immediately brought back to the matter at hand. “Sir, I can
assure you,” said he, “that you will be generously rewarded
for any actions you deem necessary to secure the release of
a Khoi into my custody——preferably a female.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 15/58
“I require no silver for my services, Lord Craven,”
spoke abruptly the Governor while observing his guests.
“However, I do have a more pressing need.”
“And what might that pressing need be, sir?”
“You say your associate is member of the House of
Commons?”
“Yes”
“A capable learned gentleman in good standing, I
gather?”
“That he is.”
“Excellent then, there is an investigation by one of
the judicial committees of the Upper House——have your man,
whoever he may be, make certain that it is withdrawn.”
“The gentleman of whom I speak has considerable
influence,” said Lord Craven. He rubbed his hairless chin
with his left hand, and his left eye began to twitch;
Unbeknownst to Governor Du Pré Alexander, a sure sign of a
deception to come. “If it is not dismissed,” he continued,
“I am confident the outcome of the matter will be more than
favorable.”
“Good. We have an agreement then.”
Hands were firmly shaken to seal the arrangement, and
as they were, the men were approached by Colonel Bird.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 16/58
“Ah, Mister Secretary,” greeted the governor. “Please
issue a directive authorizing Lord Craven to escort a Khoi
female to England for scientific study, in the care of——to
which fine institution was the gentleman received and
educated, Lord Craven?”
“Leyden College, sir”
“Ah yes, in the care of Leyden College”
Uncertain which man to address, the colonel looked
from one to the other, and warned with a deep harsh voice,
“But, exporting a Khoi native is a punishable offense.”
Governor Du Pré Alexander shrugged his shoulders and
unconstrained a long sigh. “Simply issue the appropriate
travel documents, Mister Secretary,” said he. “The woman
will not be sailing to London as a slave, but as a British
subject.”
“Yes sir,” acknowledged Secretary Bird, glancing at
Lord Craven. “And where shall I find this willing
individual so eager to abandon their homeland?”
“The London Missionary Society has an orphanage on the
frontier within the Boer settlements,” answered the
governor. “You will find plenty of suitable candidates
there. What’s more, the mission administrator has a debt
owed to me, so no objections should be raised.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 17/58
~~~~~~~
A rustic tradition developed early on as Boer society,
consisting of descendants of the early Dutch-speaking
settlers, was born on the frontiers of white settlement and
on the outskirts of civilization. Originally recruited by
the Dutch government, they settled on the Cape to help
establish a geographically limited outpost for the Dutch
East India Company. They were taxed heavily by the
government, and receiving no protection from the local
inhabitants, the Boer society sought independence from the
Dutch, and now the British.
After a day’s journey, accompanied by a contingent of
soldiers, a coach approached a mission in the midst of a
farming settlement, about a mile outside Duncan Village.
The building was fair-sized, standing back from the dirt
road, with a curving drive which was banked with high green
scrubs. It was painted white with red trimming with rows of
imported plants decorating all sides, surrounded by a white
wooden fence, and a large white cross adorned the roof.
A gray haired fellow, a stately looking thin-faced
individual, pruned wild roses in the rear of the structure
as children of the orphanage played about.
“Father Van Der Kemp?”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 18/58
The clergyman raised his head. “Yes, I am he.”
John Van Der Kemp had once served as an army officer
and received a medical degree from the University of
Edinburgh. His conversion followed the accidental drowning
of his wife and only child in a boating accident. A
rigorous opponent of slavery and advocate of the rights of
the indigenous populations, the clergyman was a very
unpopular individual with the majority of Europeans in the
Cape Colony.
“My name is Lord Craven, and may I state publicly, it
is an honor to meet an individual with such a reputation
for doing the work of God in the name of the British
Empire.”
Considering that the colonial government held the
missionary in such low regard, the praise was ill advised.
Its unattended consequence was that of a state of immediate
suspicion on the part of Van Der Kemp. He shrugged his
shoulders, and without giving Lord Craven so much as a
subsequent glance, the missionary continued on his knees
his pruning.
He asked simply, yet in a slight indignant tone, “What
is your business here, Mister Craven?”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 19/58
“I see, a man willing to forgo the unpleasantness of
idle speech——good. I will make known the purpose of my
call, then.”
Lord Crave drew an official looking document from his
coat, rolled, tied with a red ribbon, and stamped with the
certified seal of the colony administrator.
“I have here before me,” he announced, “in my
possession, an edict by order of the governor of the colony
of Cape of Good Hope as given to him by power of Prince
William the 5th of Orange.” He held, at level eye, the
document and slowly read, “You are hereby ordered to
surrender a Khoi female into my custody for transport to
England where she will be observed and studied under
reasonable humane conditions in the care of Christian
Leyden College.”
Father Van Der Kemp raised his head. “May I examine
that?” he asked, unconvinced of the authenticity of the
document.
“But, of course,” relied Lord Craven, plainly. “You
shall see that the document is it perfect order.”
He released the edict into the possession of the
clergyman, who then drew a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles
from his pocket, and placed them on his freckled nose. In
an attempt to bring the small writing into clearness so
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 20/58
that the legitimacy of it could be confirmed, Van Der Kemp
extended the paper further and then closer to his face.
“Follow me, Mister Craven,” said he, at last convinced of
no forgery and rising to his feet.
Two very fit and capable soldiers were motioned, by
Lord Craven, to accompany the clergyman and him while the
remaining men of the small military contingent, removed
from their saddles, waited in the courtyard.
The gentlemen took a path toward the side of the
church, up a steep set of swept stairs, and down a dark
hallway with many uninhabited rooms on each side. At the
end of the corridor, they came to a secured door,
whereupon, Van Der Kemp drew keys from his trousers and
opened it. “You would do well to communicate a message to
Governor Du Pré Alexander, said he. “Inform the colonial
administrator that I consider this newest atrocity as
payment in full.”
A young female sat on her knees, rocking back and
forth, in a faint corner.
“For her protection, we were forced to isolate the
girl from the rest of the children.”
Lord Craven looked surprised and a little shocked.
“Why, does she suffer an affliction of some sort?”
“Oh no, no, the girl is excellent physical condition.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 21/58
“Then what burden is she which would warrant such
drastic measures?”
“They say she is cursed, the children do.”
“Cursed?”
“Yes, cursed. She was found walking alone outside a
long deserted village; a survivor of what was the result of
Europeans spreading death and destruction, no doubt.”
The corners of the mouth of Lord Craven twitched, and
a crooked grin tainted his business-like demeanor. “I see,”
said he. “Perhaps a change of setting will lift the spirits
of the young woman.”
The missionary knelt on one knee, and took hold of the
hand of the young woman. And with a loving smile, he stared
deeply into her dark eyes.
“By what name is she addressed?” asked Lord Craven.
“Sartje,” responded Van Der Kemp, without removing his
eyes away from her. “In her dialect, I believe it implies
princess, perhaps.” He helped her to her feet, and gathered
pieces of donated clothing into an old leather bag. “Be not
afraid my child,” he spoke, in her native tongue. “This
gentleman will accompany you to a land of new wonders and
opportunities.”
Sartje smiled, and her eyelids quivered as she glanced
toward Lord Craven. Van Der Kemp clutched her hands,
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 22/58
kissing each. And after a strapping young soldier had
lifted the heavy sack, which overflowed with clothing, they
headed back toward the front of the mission where the other
colonial soldiers lingered.
Before closing the door of the carriage, the
missionary kissed Sartje farewell. “Take care of the girl,”
he spoke to Lord Craven, “and may God watch over you during
your long journey.”
As the transport traveled down the dirt road, a Khoi
man, dressed in European clothing, escorted a small herd of
cattle across their path. Several soldiers assisted the
herdsman in moving his animals until the dirt road was
cleared.
Out the carriage window, Sartje poked her head. She
stared back at Van Der Kemp, who stood waving until the
last of the soldiers was out of view.
~~~~~~~
In the Bay of Tafel, the clipper ship Thurmandale
soaked up the early morning sun. Seagulls squawked noisily
on her bow as a deckhand threw handfuls of dried bread.
Captain Isaac Chester, the nephew of an admiral, stood at
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 23/58
the stern peering through a telescope at the approaching
rowboats.
He had entered the Royal Navy at an early age, and
having served most of his service aboard the ship of his
uncle, he quickly became lieutenant; and six years later, a
Post-Captain. For many years he sailed in the waters of
the West Indies and North American, until the war with
Spain brought him closer to home. During one key battle,
Captain Chester and the Mediterranean Fleet engaged Spanish
ships off the coast of Gibraltar. Led by Admiral Francis
Troubridge, the British fleet formed in a line of battle.
They were heavily out numbered, and unwilling to sacrifice
his crew, Captain Chester lagged behind. He was later
charged with indecisive fleet actions and of being unfit to
lead as an officer. It was then, that his naval career was
no more.
“Good heavens, there is a Khoi among them,” spoke the
grizzled captain. He drew a pocket watch from his vest and
glanced at it. “All hands on deck!” he barked.
“All hands on deck!” echoed the first officer.
Tea, silk and other textiles from China made up the
cargo of the utterly laden Thurmandale. She had stopped at
the colonial outpost only to replenish supplies and to take
on a few passengers.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 24/58
“Hoist main sails!”
“Hoist main sails!”
At eighteen knots, the Thurmandale was expected to
arrive at her destination in forty-two days. However, the
seas of the Cape of Storms, and the waters along the west
coast of Africa were unpredictable, and her qualified
captain and her skilled crew was well aware of the fact.
With the provisions and passengers aboard, the
Thurmandale immediately set sail for England.
On the third day of the voyage, the first officer
spotted dark clouds off the horizon. “Looks like we’re in
for a tad of foul weather,” said he, as a flock of seabirds
flew over the foremast.
“Yes, and from the looks of it, she’s brewing up quite
a tempest,” replied Captain Chester. “Go below and make
sure the cargo is tightly bound.”
“Maybe we should seek shelter inland, Sir.”
“She’ll be moving to fast before we made the coast,
Mister Smith. We’ll have to try to out run her, north.”
Facing heavy rain and gale force winds, hours later,
the Thurmandale began taking on water. With gusts up to
sixty knots, the ship bounced about like a cork from
twenty-five foot seas which washed several crew members
overboard.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 25/58
Below, Sartje grasped a small pouch and beads worn
around her neck, and closing her eyes, prayed in a whisper.
A large barrel of Indian tea rolled against her, knocking
her to the floor. And when the ship pitched again, the
unbound container attacked a servant of Lord Carven,
crushing him to death against the ships’ hull.
On deck, the crew battled to save the vessel while
Captain Chester barked out orders. “Man the sails! Keep
her to the wind, Mister Reynolds!”
The storm cleared as quickly as it had come about, and
forty three days later, welcomed by the pungent odors of
London and other large towns, the shores of England loomed
in sight.
~~~~~~~
Small boats slipped furtively from the coast, and,
approaching the ships, their crews offered to transport
anything that was subject to import taxation and store it
safely and secretly when the owners were in England. Naval
frigates or small warships with one tier of guns, on
occasion, offered this service.
The men in the boats looked a rascally crew and were
almost certainly smugglers, but the sailors of His
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 26/58
Majesty's Navy looked even worse. Most passengers thought
it better to keep their dutiable articles and try a little
bribery, later.
The Thurmandale, with passengers of about twenty
lining the rails of the clipper, entered the River Thames.
Houses built one brick thick and made of the first earth
that came to hand, rowed the mouth of the river.
A deck hand ceased his chores, after noticing
astonishment in the faces of a few. Said he, “Inside the
pitiful homes, it is neglected as the outside.”
“I will admit, I have never seen such squalor,” said,
a burly, middle aged woman.
The sight so disturb the woman, her gentleman husband
who was some twenty years her elder, felt it necessary to
deliver around his wife’s shoulder for comfort, an arm.
“And it is even worse as we near the docks,” warned
the sailor.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 27/58
Chapter Two
England
Travelers, those that arrived safely upon the shores
of England, had often spent days or even weeks upon their
journey. After traveling long distances by coach to the
port of embarkation, they often spent tedious hours waiting
for the wind to rise, to change, or to abate before setting
sail.
Most ships were small and miserable, and as a rule,
passengers were required to bring their food with them.
They suffered the miseries of sea sickness, and may have
been bruised and battered by storms. Often they arrived in
a disgruntled frame of mind, ready to find fault with
everything and everyone. Much of the conversation among
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 28/58
them, if indeed they were in any condition to talk, was
about the custom houses, and the chances of evading its
officials.
Bribery was universal. A German clergyman, who one
might think would have had a few scruples, paid six
shillings to get his luggage unexamined through customs.
His only regret was that the transaction had cost him as
much.
Occasionally, a pocket as well as luggage was
searched, but it was possible with the aid of a guinea or
so, to avoid close examination if the officers were assured
that the things were for ones own personal use.
A large man complained to other weary travelers behind
him, “English officials can not be compared to the French,
who know how to combine politeness with the exercise of
their rights,” said he.
It came at no surprise that he would, later, have
extreme difficulty with the officials.
Although officials heavily scrutinized five jackets
and silk shirts he had purchased from a trader at the Cape,
the standing of Lord Craven was well-known so he and Sartje
got their luggage through customs without any bribery.
Outside the custom house was the worst of slums in the
neighborhood of the London docks. There were the poor,
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 29/58
thieves, cut-throats, prostitutes, and pickpockets waiting
to prey upon any foreigner.
The jostling mobs, most watching sailors fighting in a
ring with supporters spurring them on, frighten Sartje.
Lord Craven held her hand tightly; and his servants
followed, awkwardly, carrying the luggage.
Further along the docks, a small boat was boarded.
The waves drove the vessel away from the ladder causing
Sartje to lose her balance. The Captain took her into his
arms as she fell in the skiff among the rowers.
Both banks of the Thames River were covered with the
filthiest erections near the docks; old stables or the
miserable huts of fishermen and watermen. Contrarily, on
the outskirts of the city one would have been gratified by
sights of pleasant suburban houses set in gardens. These
were the residences of London citizens, where they were
sometimes used as weekend resorts.
The slums, however, had begun to invade the country.
In some areas, squalid houses were being built close to the
pleasant dwellings of the citizens of London. Even the
summer residence of Lord Craven, along the Thames, had some
very unpleasant neighbors. Heaps of cinders, filth and
ordure from the great city were collected outside it, some
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 30/58
of which went to manure the market gardens, but much
remained to pollute the atmosphere.
~~~~~~~
Tired, disgusted and disgruntled, at last they reached
respectable lodging. Lord Craven ordered a servant to
prepare a landau and horses for the next day’s Journey to
Windsor Berkshire, to the estate of Doctor Benjamin Howard.
And the next day, Lord Craven delivered the Khoi woman into
his presence.
One of five children of a wealthy merchant, Doctor
Howard had a particularly interest in mathematics and
chemistry while educated at the High School of Edinburgh.
Afterwards, he attended the University of Edinburgh as a
“student of humanity ”. Later, he became a physician
assistant at sixteen years of age and received a doctor of
medicine degree from Leyden College three years later. The
influx of immigrants and their hash treatment forced him to
run for a seat in parliament.
A few years past and with countless sessions in the
learning of proper English, Sartje became more and more
confident with her new life. With the permission of Doctor
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 31/58
Howard, she was allowed to visit the city accompanied by a
man servant.
A favorite place to call upon was a hat shop, just
south of Melbourne Street, in the London Borough of Tower
Hamlets. It was located in one of the worst parts of the
White Chapel district and seldom had customers of the
social status of that of Sartje. Being that it catered to
poor immigrants or former slaves, at the place of business,
she hoped to meet an individual from her native land.
The proprietor of the shop, Jack Redbridge, a thin-
faced, slightly gray-haired, solemn-like way of talking
fellow, treated her well. His previous occupation was that
of a sea captain, and he had visited the Cape many times
while transporting cargo to and from the Far East. The
remarkable fellow loved South Africa, and had planned to
spend his last years there until back and leg injuries,
obtained during a violent squall off the coast of India,
shorten his sailing career and robbing him of his
notability. Sometimes he visited the interior of the
continent and made many friends with the local inhabitants
including the Khoi.
One gray afternoon, while Mister Redbridge revealed to
Sartje, in a backroom after closing, a new shipment of hats
from Spain, a small red butterfly with large black antennae
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 32/58
flew through an open window. It frightened the Khoi woman
so, that she nervously suggested they move back toward the
front of the establishment.
The insect fluttered about until landing on an old
American straw hat. Jack cuffed his hands, slowing
approaching it.
“Please do not touch it nor let it touch you,” said
Sartje, in a distressful tone. “My people have known that
kind to be cursed. It drinks the blood of animals during
the hunters’ moon.”
She clutched with both hands a small pouch, attached
to a necklace. And half dazed, with terror in her eyes,
moved away a few steps.
“It is nothing except a butterfly, Sartje,” said
Jack. “There is nothing to fear.”
He captured it, and then opened his hand, revealing a
red-winged insect with a usually long and pointed
proboscis. “It will not harm you, see?” said Jack.
For a moment it was examined closely by the shop
owner, while Sartje retreated several more steps.
“Hmmm, this species is unfamiliar——probably came to
British shores as a stowaway aboard a merchant ship,” said
Jack. As he walked over to the window to release it, his
finger was punctured by the sharp tongue of the butterfly
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 33/58
and then it fluttered to it’s escape. “Gracious,” he spoke,
“looks as though it was not pleased to be handled so.”
He watched as blood slowly trickled down between his
fingers. Somewhat concerned, Jack lifted an old cloth lying
atop a stack of unopened boxes, and wiped the thick crimson
away.
Sartje stared at him, horrified. “Demon, away demon!”
said she, in her native language. A quick retreat from the
establishment of Mister Redbridge was her preference, and
it was done.
Jack finished wiping away the blood and gave chase,
frantically calling the name of the Khoi woman. And when he
had reached the outside of the store, he stood there
despondent; for the carriage, in which Sartje had arrived,
had traveled far along the cobblestone street.
That night, in the back of the store, the proprietor
tossed and turned in his bunk. Strange and vivid visions
danced in his dreams. He awoke drenched in sweat, and
decided to take a walk in the cool night air to clear his
head.
A dense London fog hung over the city, making it
difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The smell of
animal manure and rotting garbage made breathing almost
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 34/58
unbearable. Jack, hearing voices and hallucinating,
stumbled along Durward Street in the White Chapel district.
Dress in the scantiest clothing, prostitutes offered
their services along a brick wall. Some whistled at
potential customers and insulted those that rejected them.
One such female, a scantily dressed young woman, assumed
that Jack was severely intoxicated and therefore saw an
opportunity of theft.
“Good evening, sir,” she slurred, “Out for walk in the
night air, are you now.”
Jack mumbled words she, nor anyone else, could have
comprehended.
The woman led him by the hand down Buck’s Row, toward
a gated stable. There, in the darkness, as she attempted to
explore his pockets, a struggle ensued. Jack fell to the
ground, and groped for a weapon to fend her off when she
persisted. A metal object, about ten inches long, lying a
few feet away touched the tips of his fingers and it was
seized.
A sharp razor pierced the thick air and the throat of
the woman with ease. The prostitute clutched the wound, and
with massive amounts of blood squirting between her thick
fingers, she stumbled ten yards before falling.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 35/58
The shop owner lifted himself, and with the weapon
still firmly gripped in his hand, he knelt besides her. Be
it slowly, blood still ran, and now the woman lay gasping
for air. Her mouth released a quiet gurgling word, to which
Mr. Redbridge lean to give an ear. She twice coughed,
immediately covering the face and hand of Jack with thick
crimson.
Jack peered down the dark back street, at the London
Hospital two hundred yards away. Panic overcame him, so he
ran back to the shop as fast as he could. And after
arriving, he sat for a long time staring at his red stained
fingers.
The demise of the woman seemed to strengthen the owner
of the hat shop; as if the force of life was being
absorbed, giving him a sense of unfathomable power. Her
blood was licked from his fingers, and Mr. Redbridge, he
took pleasure of it.
~~~~~~~
It was soon evident that Sartje aged slower than other
British subjects. Examined countless times with no
definitive results, the lack of evidence within her blood
or brown skin, for that matter, led some in the scientific
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 36/58
community to suggest that, surely, the mythical fountain of
youth must exist somewhere near the site of her birth, the
Cape of Good Hope.
At a scientific conference in Cambridge, where Sartje
was introduced, the debate over the social and medical
implications of such a discovery was feverous.
“Mister Thomas, Mister Thomas, please sit down!”
demanded the conference magistrate.
“Gentlemen and fellow men of science—―surely I come to
you, honorably, without malice or deceit,” said the wiry
looking scientist, sinking in his chair. “A notable
physician with impeccable credentials sits before you to
verify all claims.”
The claim of Mister Thomas, that the fountain of youth
was without doubt, fact, had caused quite a stir. The men,
of about thirty-eight, in the conference hall, chattered
among themselves to which the magistrate twice slammed his
gavel, interrupting the discourse. “We must have order!”
said he. “Now, Doctor Howard—―it is said that you, a
notable man of science, have in your possession evidence of
that which our esteemed colleague professes.”
Doctor Howard slowly rose from his chair. “Indeed,”
said he. He signaled with a nod to his aide, an eager,
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 37/58
fair-minded chap, who left the room for a moment, and then
returned with a beautiful woman.
Sartje had been provider for quite well, and she had
become quite comfortable with the British way of life. In
the years since she had arrived, ten to be exact, she had
learned the English language, and reaped the benefits of
the upper-class status of the good doctor.
A dark green full length coat, trimmed with fur, fit
her well. It was straight cut, belted at the waist, and
sported a broad cape like collar. Underneath it, a white
silk dress was visible, as the pelisse was worn open at the
front.
Her hair was of an elaborate and striking style that
leaned to one side and was partially covered by a modest
hat. Everyone rose when she entered the room.
Doctor Howard stood by her and spoke, “This woman, who
is of the African continent, is the source of the evidence
in which you sir, and my fellow colleagues, would dismiss
as deception or inaccurate,” he address a scientist. “I ask
that you—―no I beseech thee and any man here, to question
the girl so that she may verify the findings which I have
submitted this day.”
“Is de young girl competent an’ able to spake
clearly?” asked the only Irish member of the conference.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 38/58
“Indeed, and her command of the English language is of
a noticeable improvement than the dialect in which you’re
accustomed, Mister Flanagan,” answered Doctor Howard.”
The room was overrun by laughter.
With a half smile upon his face, the magistrate banged
his gavel thrice, quieting the men of science. “Please
continue, Doctor Howard,” said he.
“Thank you, sir. First, I believe an introduction is
in order. She is called Sartje,” he announced with a quick
glance toward the beautiful woman, “and was once a member
of the Khoi, a primitive people found near the region of
the southern tip of Africa. Sartje, please greet the
gentlemen in you native tongue.”
She slowly stepped forward, holding a white
handkerchief. It was twisted and untwisted around her
fingers repeatedly by Khoi woman, and an uncomfortable
tightness devoured her from the inside. Sartje wiped the
sweat from her brow, an act that did not go unnoticed.
“Fear not child,” whispered Doctor Howard, softly
capturing her arm and looking into her eyes. “These are
honorable men who wish no ill-will upon you.
The words were reassured Sartje. She took a deep
breath and stepped forward, and the nervous tension inside
gradually settled.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 39/58
“I am Sartje,” she said in Khoisan, a native language
which used clicks for certain consonants to distinguish the
meaning of the smallest posited structural unit. “And this
land is my new home.”
“Now repeat those very words in the English language,”
said Doctor Howard.
Sartje cleared her throat and then repeated the words
with a perfect British dialect, for all to hear.
“Good. Sartje, what is the place of your birth?”
Doctor Howard asked.
“The land of the first people——the place you call
Africa.”
A member of the conference, a tall gentleman, wearing
dark spectacles, sprang from his place. “This is outrages,”
he interrupted. “Surely, Doctor Howard has manipulated the
poor girl; training her as would a, a master would train a
common canine or an animal keeper would train a chimpanzee.”
“I agree,” bellowed another. “What we have witness,
thus far, can not be scientifically proven nor disproved as
being nothing but, but a parlor trick, or, at the very
least substandard training, for that matter.”
The room was a buzz with chatter.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 40/58
“Gentlemen, gentlemen, order!” bellowed the conference
magistrate, striking, hard, the gavel. “Please, let the
Honorable Doctor Howard speak.”
Doctor Howard thanked the magistrate, and then turned
his attention back toward the Khoi woman. “Sartje, what is
your age, my child?” he questioned.
Nervously clasping and unclasping her soft hands, she
answered, “Before I came to this land, I had seen fourteen
hunters’ moons in the night sky. The——”
“The child refers to the harvest moon,” interrupted
Doctor Howard, and addressing his colleagues, “fourteen
moons, fourteen years of age to be exact. Sartje, please,
carry on.”
“The men of my clan chased large herds of animals with
spears and bows and arrows by its light,” she continued.
“And after a few days, the animals go home to the north.”
The good doctor lifted his thumbs to the straps of his
black suspenders, and his manner took on the likeness of
that of a barnyard roster. “The large herds of animals——
wildebeest, Gentlemen, wildebeest,” he crowed. “They
migrate yearly across the plains of Africa, a well
documented fact. And since her arrival here in Britain, the
girl has not left my presence in nearly twenty five years.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 41/58
One again, the room was a buzz with chatter. The
magistrate stuck his gavel twice. “Order, Order!” bellowed
he.
“Are we to believe this child, who is clearly all but,
but thirteen years of age, has lived for forty-three or
more?” asked a conference attendee.
“Saints above, the fellow’s a bampot,” yelled the
Irishman.
Another outburst was prevented by the magistrate; for
he quickly sprang from his chair, and banged his gavel
hard. “This conference will be absent of insults, Mister
Flanagan,” he roared. He slowly and deliberately, over his
wire framed glasses, eyed the participants of the
conference so that the words he spoke next would be
absolutely understandable to each. “Personal abuse or
attacks upon ones character, mendacity, and or demogery are
all prohibited under house rules and will not be tolerated
under any circumstance!”
He glared in the face, or so it seemed, of every
scientist that sat there in silence. And when he was
satisfied his warning was taken to heart, he took his seat
and spoke again. “Now, Doctor Howard, do you have further
evidence to support your claim?”
“Indeed I have, Magistrate,” replied Doctor Howard.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 42/58
He held high in his hand, a set of papers for everyone
to see. “I have here, in my possession, sworn affidavits of
reputable men. This document, signed by the former Governor
of the Cape, Du Pré Alexander and his assistant Colonel
Christopher Bird, authorizes passage of a Khoi female, by
name, aboard the Thurmandale. And this article represents
the ships manifest of passengers and cargo in which her
name appears.”
Doctor Howard led Sartje to a chair, and motioned his
assistant to bring in a supporting witness.
The past twenty-five years had been cruel to Lord
Craven. As a young man, he had been fit and full of life.
Some said it was the excessive social festivities and
womanizing that stole his handsome features, and robbed his
youthful spirit. But like many in London, because of the
persistent squalor, he too had been consumed by unknown
diseases that ravage the city.
He slowly shuffled into the conference hall with the
aide of a cane, his eyes rarely leaving the sight of the
dark wooden floor. A servant of Doctor Howard escorted him
by the arm.
“We are honored by your presence Lord Craven,” said
the magistrate. “The accomplishments of you and your
colleagues in the House of Commons have been quite
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 43/58
extraordinary during recent sessions——especially the
passing of the public health legislation.”
“Thank you,” said Lord Craven, as he slowly lowered
himself into a chair.
“Welcome Sir,” greeted Doctor Howard. “I will begin by
asking simple questions. You may add any pertinent
information or comment at your discretion. Now, let’s
proceed.
“Are you familiar with the woman that sits before you?”
“I am.”
“Good. In your indisputable recollection, where did
you first meet the girl?”
“I first became acquainted with Sartje at an
orphanage, on the frontier in a Boer settlement not far
from the Cape of Africa.”
“What year?”
“Pardon me?”
“What was the year in which you first saw this woman?”
“It was in the year of our Lord, 1838.”
The room hummed with soft chatter.
“Lord Craven, how did you come to meet Sartje?”
“I was requested by an individual, who to this very
day wishes to remain anonymous, to acquire a female
inhabitant from Africa for scientific study. The governor
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 44/58
of the Cape recommended that I visit a certain orphanage
where a missionary, a misguided fellow in the area of
politics, thought the girl would suffice because she was
without companionship.”
“Companionship?” asked Doctor Howard, surprised.
“Yes, the child was without acquaintances and was
absent any attention due to rumors of her being cursed,”
replied Lord Craven.
“Cursed, you say?”
“Yes, cursed,” said Lord Craven. “I, of course,
discarded the rumors as being nothing but what they were.
However, Father Van Der Kemp later confided in me that an
old woman had recognized the girl as a playmate from her
youth. It seemed highly improbable, and any reasonable
person would have thought the same. He concluded the
memories of the woman were dimmed by confusion brought on
by old age. But as I sit here and observe the girl, who has
aged little since I retrieved her from the orphanage, I am
convinced that, that which was told to Father Van Der Kemp
by the old woman is accurate.”
Professor Henry Herschel, a biologist and ordained
Church of England clergyman who taught Darwin at Cambridge
College stood to address his colleagues.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 45/58
Born in Denbign County at Foxhall, his family estate,
as a young man he was educated at Oxford and fared so well
in the sciences and engineering he was given the position
as physician to the Duke of Norfolk, who served as
chancellor.
Reverend Herschel was a God fearing man. His belief
was that science and dogma was just opposite sides of the
same shilling. “Then let it be considered that indeed the
girl is cursed,” said he.
Another gentleman spoke, “This conference recognizes
facts, not ridicules superstition. Perhaps Professor
Herschel would prefer to consult a representative of the
church.”
“Perhaps,” said Reverend Herschel. “Most superstition
has a reasonable basis which is clouded by mystery and the
fairest of all experiences is the mysterious. And you will
hardly find one among us, of scientific minds, without a
particular religious feeling. But it is different than the
ordinary man. For the latter, God is a being from whose
care one hopes to benefit and whose punishment one fears.
But the scientist is possessed by the sense of cause-and-
effect relationships. To him, there is nothing divine about
morality. It is a purely human affair. His religious
feelings take the form of rapturous amazement at the
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 46/58
harmony of natural law, which reveals in itself an
intelligence of superiority. Compared with it, all
systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an
utterly insignificant reflection. This feeling guides a
scientist life and work and is, beyond question, closely
akin to that which has possessed the religious geniuses of
all ages. So, the girl may or may not be cursed. But as
scientists, who have themselves seen an intelligence of
superiority revealed nightly in the sky, shall we discount
what is before our very eyes? We, as educated men, search
for clarity in the wondrous designs of God, and when he
reveals it to us through gifts that all men have inherited,
some more than others, a prideful and selfish proclamation
is proclaimed. They boast; we have looked into the mind of
God. Therefore we must be of superior intelligence. This
day I say unto you——a time will come when false piousness
will no longer satisfy arrogant men. They will not be
content to be godlike. Men will attempt to recreate the
stars and even life itself. Blinded by arrogance and
selfishness, while publicly denying the existence of God,
they will desire secretly to be gods.”
“Then how, Professor Herschel, shall men progress?” an
attendee asked. “Shall we worship the sun and moon as our
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 47/58
ancestor once did? Shall we let diseases run rampant among
civilization?”
“It is my belief that men shall never know answers to
all mysteries and all mysteries can not be solved by
universal causation,” answered the professor. “It is a
question of simplicity really. Is it possible to create
something from nothing? Even the insane would say no.
Therefore someone created it; someone so incomprehensible
that man lacks the mental facilities to phantom such a
being. Our only hope is to know him through observable and
measurable wonders. But as scientist, at the very least, we
must acknowledge the possibility of mysteries no man was
blessed to comprehend or rationalize. Look into the night
sky. Are you to believe that is the best that can be done?
Surely the creator of the stars and planets is capable of
so much more. And like the air we breathe, the sunlight
that warms us, there must be many more unobservable
marvels.”
The words of Professor Herschel were discomforting to
most of the attendees of the conference. There was validity
to his argument and it was persuasive, but the consequences
of a merger between science and religion would invite
unimaginable abuses from the church. It had persecuted
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 48/58
learned men throughout history and no one wanted to revisit
those days.
Doctor Howard dismissed Lord Craven, cutting his
presentation short. He had expected some skepticism and
even prepared himself for suggestions of exploratory
medical procedures to determine the cause of Sartje’s
condition. But the spiritual ramifications surprised him.
He gathered his papers, Sartje and his servant, and then
quickly left the conference in his carriage. The trip back
to Windsor Berkshire was long and sobering.
Doctor Howard looked at the Khoi female as she stared
out the window of the coach.
“Sartje,” he interrupted her. “I’ve considered your
condition carefully and I believe England is not the proper
place for you, my child.”
“Why? What are you implying?”
“It is no longer safe in England. There are powerful
men who still perceive the world in the old ways.
“I am not afraid, Doctor Howard.”
“No, I believe you are not. But I am afraid for you,
my child,” replied Doctor Howard, resting his hand on her
knee. “These men would see you as an abomination because of
your ageless appearance. It was an error in judgment to
announce you at the conference during these troubling
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 49/58
times. There are those that will give an account to the
authorities, and The Church of England would surely
imprison you or far worse.”
“Then I shall hide from them——beneath the stables just
as I did as a child, remember?”
“Yes, I remember,” Doctor Howard chuckled. “It took
the servants and me hours to find you.”
“Then, it is agreed. I will hide in the cellar.”
“No Sartje, not in the cellar. I am sending you to a
new country——a place where you will be safe. I made
preparations in case something went horribly wrong at the
conference and before we departed, I dispatched a servant
to London to confirm the arrangement with a dear friend who
will provide provision for passage aboard a merchant ship
to America. It will depart tomorrow.”
“But Doctor Howard, I know no one in this America,”
said Sartje. “How shall I endure?”
“I will make certain that you are financially
protected. And it is best that I not send you to anyone
familiar. The authorities will question me regarding your
whereabouts and I will tell them, truthfully, I do not know
your whereabouts. Now, rest and worry no more. Tonight you
will gather your belongings and I shall give you
instructions to follow when you arrive at your new home.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 50/58
Sartje and Doctor Howard hugged, and both wept.
They arrived at Windsor Berkshire late at night, in
the glow of a full moon which hung brightly over maple and
blossoming cherry trees. Their familiar fragrances
permeated the interior of the carriage, welcoming the weary
travelers.
“Replace these animals with fresh horses,” said Doctor
Howard to the driver. “Then you shall depart for London
immediately.”
The servants rushed about, packing luggage full of
Sartje’s things. Due to the urgency of it all, Doctor
Howard instructed them to leave many of her clothing
behind. He hoped once the investigation was ongoing and
suspicion had diminished, he would be able to send Sartje,
the remainder of her belongings aboard a vessel.
After the carriage was full with her luggage, Sartje
and Doctor Howard sat down on her bed. Speechless, they
held hands, neither wanting to say farewell.
“You have been like a daughter to me,” Doctor Howard
finally spoke. He began to weep. Sartje wiped a tear from
his face with her soft fingers.
“And you, like a father to me,” she said. “I will
never forget you.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 51/58
“Neither will I forget you my child,” replied Doctor
Howard, regaining his composure. He handed her a small
satchel with pieces of gold and silver inside it. “This
will allow you to purchase accommodations and food for
several years so that a new life will be less of a burden.”
The good doctor kissed the forehead of Sartje, and
tearfully led her out to the carriage.
Weeping, the child of a maidservant handed her a doll.
“Molly shall keep you company,” said she.
“And I shall keep Molly company,” said Sartje,
kneeling to address the child and awarding a hug. She rose.
“Thank you, thank you all. I have felt more at home here
than in my ancestral land, and I shall miss you.”
She hugged each servant and then lifted herself into
the carriage.
“The driver has knowledge of the captain and the
vessel you will be boarding. Obey his instructions
implicitly,” said Doctor Howard. “And address a letter to
me in five years so that I may know you are well.”
“Yes sir, said Sartje. They hugged a final time
through the opening of the carriage, and then it headed out
the steel gates of the estate.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 52/58
The driver steered the carriage toward the London
docks as fast as it could travel. Grasping anything that
steadied her, Sartje frantically bounced about inside.
~~~~~~~
Tiers upon tiers of vessels, scores of masts,
labyrinths of tackle, idle sails, splashing oars, gliding
rowboats, lumbering barges, sunken piles with ugly lodgings
for water rats within their muddy discolored nooks; church
steeples, warehouses, house-roofs, arches, bridges, casks,
cranes, boxes, horses, coaches, idlers, and hard laborers,
all were jumble together.
Little steamboats dashed up and down the river
continuously. Mister Edmund Doray, a clean shaven,
diminutive gentleman, stood at the stern of the St. George
staring out, just above waters’ surface, at seagulls
fighting over scraps of fish.
He took a deep draw from a fancy pipe. Grey smoke rose
from chimneys atop of box houses along the waterway.
Forming the mainstay of the peasant’s diet and boiled
slowly over the hearth fire, aromas of running pottages
filled the salty air. Over the horizon, the barely visible
sun, slowly stole the dawn.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 53/58
Born in Lyme Regis, a coastal town of Dorset, Mister
Doray spent most of his early life at sea and in the
Americas. Now a successful merchant and philanthropist, he
operated a ship building business in Massachusetts.
He was appalled by the many abandoned homeless
children living in the streets of London. And assisted by
influential politicians and wealthy citizens like Doctor
Howard, he obtained a Royal Charter establishing the
Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Deserted
Young Children.
Captain Quigley, the commander of the St. George
approached. “Fine morning to you sir, and my deepest
apologies,” said he, extending a warm hand. “My first
officer failed to inform me of your arrival.”
“No fault lies with your second-in-command, replied
Mister Doray, shaking the hand of the captain, with a firm
grip. “I’m sure he is a fine officer. Besides, I came
aboard unannounced. It has been my experience that one
receives a more accurate impression when circumstances are
unexpected.”
“I agree, and I myself have conducted numerous
surprise inspections and drills while in harbor, and out on
the high seas. It improves the concentration of the men,
and discourages complacency,” said the captain.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 54/58
“Mister Quigley, I knew my choice of the commander of
the St. George was a wise one.”
“Thank you sir, will you be aboard her when she sails?”
“Oh no, I have far more pressing needs in England than
in America. My affairs in London alone require further
oversight and scrutiny.”
“I see”
“However, a passenger of a special interest may be
boarding before you sail. She is a female of native African
heritage. Where is your ships manifest?”
“I shall retrieve it, sir” said the captain. He went
below, followed by Mister Doray, and removed the passenger
ledger from his desk. “This contains the travelers already
on board, and those that are yet to arrive,” said he,
handing the list to Mr. Doray.
“Michaell Delany, John Butler, Charles Quigley, Mary
Kemp, Terrance Quigley, Samuel Swallow, Larance Quigley,
Kate Quigley, William Welsh,” Mr. Doray read aloud. “This
manifest must consist of well over 120 names.” He scanned
thru several more pages. “It also contains a number of
passengers with Quigley surnames. Relatives of yours
Captain?”
“Not to my knowledge, sir.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 55/58
Mr. Doray eyes scanned the remaining pages with
concern. It was difficult to run several businesses on
different sides of the Atlantic Ocean, simultaneously, so
finding trustworthy employees was his greatest worry.
When he was satisfied that no deception was at hand,
he closed the ledger and placed it back into the outstretch
hand of the captain.
“Never-the-less,” he continued, “the female passenger
is to be given attention afforded that of a member of
London high society. She is to be considered a guest and
not one shilling shall be collected from her.”
“Who is this woman? The daughter of a politician or
royalty from another land, perhaps?” asked the captain.
“That is of no concern to you,” Mister Doray replied,
with an air of petulance. “However, “Her name is Sartje.
Inquire not about her background or standing whilst she is
aboard the St. George. She will not be disembarking in New
York. After all other passengers have left the ship, set
sail for Louisiana and then assist the woman in locating
reasonable housing after you arrive in the port of Fort St.
Philip. Travel by way of carriage to the Land Office of
Louisiana in New Orleans and present Robert Callahan, the
head clerk, this document.”
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 56/58
A paper from inside the pocket of his jacket was
drawn, and delivered to the outstretched hand of Captain
Quigley who immediately read it.
“Captain Bartholomew Quigley has appeared before me
and made oath upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God that
the person named Sartje amounting to the number of one was,
by him, transported to Louisiana in the ship St. George of
London, and that neither himself nor any person for him by
his consent, privity or knowledge has made use their or any
of their rights for taking up of land according to the
condition of plantations——Given under my hand the first day
of October 1888.”
The document was signed Mister Edmund Doray, Trustee
Louisiana Territories.
“The paper—―is it a transfer of property?” the captain
asked.
“Indeed it is,” replied Mister Doray. “And after the
transaction is complete you will accompany the woman to a
certain property outside the town of Baton Rouge where you
will find modest accommodations which will become her new
home. Afterwards, sail the St. George to Boston and await
further instructions. Is this understood?”
“Yes Sir,” said Captain Quigley, nodding his head.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 57/58
“Good. With regards to the woman, your activities will
remain secret. Notate nothing in the logs regarding this
matter. What is the time for your scheduled departure?”
“The provisions and all passengers should be on board
at ten o’clock,” replied the captain.
“Postpone it, and give any reason except awaiting the
arrival of an additional traveler if the woman has not
appeared at that time. If she is absent at twelve O’clock,
you may sail without her.”
“Yes sir,” said Captain Quigley.
The men shook hands, and then Mr. Doray left the St.
George by way of a long boardwalk, leading to the pier. He
passed several passengers as he went, tipping his hat,
welcoming each, and wishing them safe journey.
Several hours later, Sartje’s carriage arrived. And
with very few exceptions, the driver gave many of the same
instructions to Captain Quigley as Mister Doray had done
earlier that morn.
The First Officer made certain that private quarters
was assigned, and word was passed amongst the crew of the
St. George, that with the exception of her personal
steward, the mysterious woman was not to be, on no account,
disturbed during the journey.
8/8/2019 BF8 Excerpt Chapter 1-2
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/bf8-excerpt-chapter-1-2 58/58
When the carriage was unloaded and baggage of the
madam brought aboard the ship, it departed the London
harbor for America.