MD3PAD 58-60

[Toby G Levy]

        Chapter 7 begins on page 58 with the astronomers in Capetown,
South Africa looking back on the voyage from Tenerife to their current
location as a hasty blur.

        As they are unpacking in their guest suite, they are greeted by
Bonk, a representative of the "V.O.C." which is the Dutch letters
signifying the Dutch East India company, which serves as the government
in Capetown. Bonk warns the astronomers to follow the laws and stay out
of trouble. Bonk indicates that they are suspected of being British
spies.

        Mason and Dixon are staying at the home of the Zeemann family,
but eating at the house behind (occupied by the Vroom family) due to the
escape of half of the Zeemann kitchen slaves.

        Mason and Dixon at mealtime enjoy the company of Cornelius and
Johanna Vroom as well as their several nubile daughters. The family
apparently plays footsie with the astronomers under the tablecloth which
is described as a "Jacob's Tent," which is a reference to the tent in
which Moses met his future wife.

        Cornelius Vroom tells tales of hunting large animals in the
"unmapped wilds of Hottentot Land..." Johanna Vroom appears to be
fascinated by Mason, which complete confounds him.

Toby