ding branches of a large tree.

The next morning they set off, and after an hour's journey the guide
told them that they were at the kraal of Daaka, the descendant of the
Europeans. The bellowing of the cattle and noise of the calves soon
directed them to the spot, and they entered a kraal consisting of
several very wretched huts. On inquiring for Daaka, a woman pointed out
a hut at a little distance, and, as they dismounted and walked up, he
came out to meet them. Swinton and Alexander shook hands with the chief,
and said that they were very glad to see him, and that they had come far
to pay him a visit. The chief ordered a hut to be swept out for their
accommodation, which they took possession of.

"You have no idea, Swinton," said Alexander, "how much I am excited
already by this interview."

"I can imagine it, my dear Wilmot," said Swinton; "it is but natural,
for he is your kinsman by all report, and certainly, although a Caffre
in his habits and manners, his countenance and features are strikingly
European."

"That I have observed myself, and it has fully convinced me of the truth
of the statement. I am most anxious to examine him--we must call the
interpreter."

The chief entered the hut soon afterward, and took his seat; the
interpreter was sent for, and the conversation was begun by Daaka, who
like most of the Caffre chiefs, with the hope of obtaining presents,
stated himself to be very poor, his cattle to be dying, and his children
without milk. Our travelers allowed him to go on for some time in this
manner, and then sent for a present of beads and tobacco, which they
gave him. They then commenced their inquiries, and the first question
they asked was, why he resided so near the sea.

"Because the sea is my mother," replied he; "I came from the sea, and
the sea feeds me when I am hungry."

"In that reply he evidently refers to the wreck of the ship," observed
Swinton; "and I presume, from the fish-bones, which we have seen about
the kraal, that these Caffres feed on fish, which the other tribes do
not, and therefore it is that he says his mother feeds him."

"Was your mother white?" inquired Alexander.

"Yes," replied Daaka, "her skin was white as yours; her hair was just
like yours, long and dark; but before she died it was quite white."

"What was your mother's name?"

"Kuma," replied the chief.

"Had you any brothers and sisters?"

"Yes, I had; I have one sister alive now."

"What is her