iety to return my thanks; but I do so in my heart of hearts, at
all event."

On the following day they arrived at Daaka's kraal, and then Alexander
took down very carefully in writing the statements made by Daaka and the
other Caffres. They all agreed on the one point, which was, that the
European descendants now living in the country were wrecked in another
vessel many years before the loss of the _Grosvenor_, and that not one
of the _Grosvenor's_ people--men, women or children--had survived,
except the few who arrived at the Cape.

Having obtained these satisfactory documents, they made a handsome
present to Daaka and the other Caffres, and immediately set out upon
their return to the wagons. As they journeyed back to the westward, they
found the Caffres quitting their huts, and driving away the cattle, that
they might not fall into the power of the army of Quetoo, which it was
said was now in motion, and scattering the tribes before them. As our
travelers were not at all anxious to have any communication with these
savage invaders, in two days they crossed the Umtata, and toward the
evening were within sight of the wagons. A shout from the Hottentots and
Caffres gave notice of their approach. The shout was returned, and in a
few minutes they were shaking hands with the Major, who was delighted to
see them.

"I did not expect you back so soon," replied the Major; "and as I
perceive that you are unaccompanied, I presume that your Caffre
relations would not quit their kraals."

"You shall know all about it, Major, very soon; it will be enough at
present to let you know that we have nothing but good news."

"That I rejoice to hear; but it was well you came back as you did, for I
have been making every preparation, and had you not returned in a few
days, I should have retreated; the invaders are close at hand."

"We know it, and, if they are told that there are wagons here well
loaded, they will come on quickly, with the hopes of plunder, so we must
delay no longer," replied Alexander; "to-morrow we will yoke and set
off. We can determine upon our route as we are traveling, but the first
point is to retreat from this quarter."

"Exactly; the oxen are in prime order and can make a long day's march,
and we know our country for some days, at all events; but enter my
fortress, dismount, and let us go into the tent which I have pitched.
You shall then tell me your adventures, while Mahomed fries a delicate
piece of ele