stating their determination
not to proceed a mile further. Only Bremen and Swanevelt opposed the
rest, and declared that they would follow their masters wherever they
chose to lead them. Alexander now sent for the interpreter and the
chief of the Caffre warriors, lent him by Hinza, and desired the
interpreter to ask the Caffre whether he and his band would follow them.
The Caffre answered that they would; Hinza had given them in charge,
and they could not return and say that they had left them because there
was an enemy at hand. Hinza would kill them all if they did; they must
bring back the travellers safe, or lose their lives in their defence.

"Well, then," said the Major, "now we can do without these cowardly
follows, who are no use to us but to eat and drink; so now let us
discharge them at once, all but Bremen and Swanevelt."

"I agree with you, Major," said Alexander; "what do you think, Swinton?"

"Yes, let us discharge them, for then they will be in a precious
dilemma. We will discharge them without arms, and desire them to go
home; that they dare not do, so they will remain. But let us first
secure their muskets, which lie round their fire, before we dismiss
them; or they will not, perhaps, surrender them, and we may be in an
awkward position. I will slip away, and while I am away, do you keep
them in talk until I return, which I shall not do until I have locked up
all the guns in the store-waggon."

As Swinton rose, the Major addressed the Hottentots. "Now, my lads,"
said he, "here are Bremen and Swanevelt who consent to follow us: all
the Caffre warriors agree to follow us; and here are about twenty of you
who refuse. Now I cannot think that you will leave us; you know that we
have treated you well, and have given you plenty of tobacco; you know
that you will be punished as soon as you return to the Cape. Why then
are you so foolish? Now look you; I am sure that upon reflection you
will think better of it. Let me understand clearly your reasons for not
proceeding with us; I wish to hear them again, and let each man speak
for himself."

The Hottentots immediately began to state over again their reasons for
not going on; and thus the Major, who made each give his reason
separately, gained their attention, and the time which was required.
Before they all had spoken, Swinton came back and took his seat by the
fire.

"All's safe," said he; "Bremen and Swanevelt's guns have been locked up
with th