d
evidently been enjoying themselves, and the oxen and horses were but too
glad to do the same. At night they halted as before, having lighted
fires to keep off the wild beasts and elephants.

The following morning they renewed their journey at daylight, and the
scene again changed; they now plunged into the dense forests bordering
on the great Fish River, which they forded in safety. The prospects all
around were very beautiful, the river smoothly gliding through
stupendous mountains and precipices, with verdant valleys on each side
of its banks. In the afternoon they arrived at Fort Wiltshire, the
outermost defence of the colony, situated on the banks of the Keiskamma.
English troops were stationed there, to prevent any marauding parties
from passing the river, or to intercept them on their return with their
booty.

As this was the last spot where they could expect to see any of their
countrymen, and they were kindly received by the officers, they agreed
to remain two days, that they might obtain all the information which
they could, and re-arrange the stowing of the waggons before they
started. The original plan had been to direct their course to Chumie,
the first missionary station, which was about twenty-five miles distant;
but as it was out of their way, they now resolved to proceed direct to
Butterworth, which was forty miles further in the Caffre country, and
the more distant of the two missions. Our party took leave of their
kind entertainers, and, having crossed without difficulty at the ford
the Keiskamma river, had passed the neutral ground, and were in the land
of the Caffres.

Up to the present they had very little trouble with the Hottentots whom
they had hired. As long as they were within reach of the law they
behaved well; but now that they had passed the confines of the Cape
territory, some of them began to show symptoms of insubordination. The
dismissal of one, however, with an order to go back immediately, and
threatening to shoot him if he was ever seen in the caravan, had the
desired effect of restoring order. The country was now a series of
hills and dales, occasionally of deep ravines, and their route lay
through the paths made by the elephants, which were numerous. A
Hottentot of the name of Bremen, who was considered as their best man
and most practised hunter, begged Alexander and his companions to be
careful how they went along, if they preceded the rest on horseback; as
the elep