ll as above them. The land presented a dark
opaque mass, the mountains in the distance appearing as if they were
close to them, and rising precipitately from the shore. All was of one
somber hue, except where the lights in the houses in the town twinkled
here and there, announcing that; some had not yet dismissed their
worldly cares, and sought repose from the labors of the day. Yet all
was silent, except occasionally the barking of a dog, or the voice of
the sentry in Fort Frederick, announcing that "all was well."

"What a gathering in a small space of so many people with so many
different histories, so many causes for leaving their native land, and
with so many different fortunes in store for them, must there be on
board of an emigrant ship," observed Mr. Swinton.

"Yet all united in one feeling, and instigated by the same desire,--that
of independence, and, if possible, of wealth," rejoined Major Henderson.

"Of that there can be no doubt," said Alexander; "but it must be almost
like beginning a new life; so many ties broken by the vast ocean which
has separated them; new interests usurping the place of old ones; all
novelty and adventure to look forward to; new scenes added to new hopes
and new fears; but we must not remain too long even to watch these
beautiful heavens, for we must rise at daylight, so I shall set the
example, and wish you both good-night."

At daylight on the following morning the long-boat was hoisted out, and
the horses safely conveyed on shore. After a hasty breakfast, Alexander
and his two companions landed, to see if it were possible to obtain any
roof under which they could shelter themselves; but the number of
emigrants who had arrived put that out of the question, every house and
every bed being engaged. This was a great disappointment, as they had no
wish to return on board and reoccupy the confined space which had been
allotted to them.

Having found accommodation for their horses, they proceeded to examine
the town and resume their search for lodgings. The streets presented a
bustling and animated scene; wagons with goods, or returning empty with
their long teams of oxen; horses, sheep, and other animals, just landed;
loud talking; busy inquirers; running to and fro of men; Hottentots busy
with the gods, or smoking their pipes in idle survey; crates and boxes,
and packages of all descriptions, mixed up with agricultural implements
and ironware, lining each side of the road, upon wh