e mollified. Swinton then interceded for them, and at last
Alexander consented, upon their future good behaviour, to overlook their
conduct. This matter having been satisfactorily arranged, the former
question was resumed.

"One of you, I fear, must remain with the waggons," observed Alexander
"or both of you, if you please. I have no right to ask you to go upon
any wild-goose chase, and run into danger for nothing."

"That one should remain with the waggons will be necessary," said
Swinton; "and I think that the Major, if he does not object, is the
proper person. The party who are left must provide themselves with food
by their guns; and it will require more military tact than I possess to
arrange that, and to defend the waggons. I will accompany you, Wilmot,
as I can speak better Dutch, and the interpreter will not get on well
without me."

"Will you have the kindness to take charge of the waggons, Major, during
our absence?"

"I think, perhaps, it will be as well; although I had rather have gone
with you," replied the Major. "I propose that you take thirty of the
Caffres, Bremen, and eight Hottentots with you; leave me Swanevelt and
the other Hottentots."

"Yes, that will do very well; we will leave the Caffre head man with
you."

"No; he must go with the larger portion of his party; he could not well
be separated from them.

"I will find a proper place for the waggons, and stockade myself
regularly in; that will be a good job for the Hottentots, and I dare say
I shall do very well."

"I shall not leave you Omrah, Major," said Swinton; "for, as we shall
take four horses with us, I wish him to ride one, and he can attend upon
us, as you have Mahomed."

"You may have Begum to ride the other," replied the Major, "if you
please; then you will each have a groom."

"No, no, it would be a pity to part you and her; however, there is no
time to be lost, for if this great chief and warrior Quetoo is
advancing, it may be as well to be ready for a retreat; the sooner we
are off, the sooner we shall be back; so now to pack up."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

The first step taken by Alexander was to send for the Hottentots, and,
after again reproving them for their former behaviour, he asked who were
ready to volunteer to proceed with him, as he had decided that he would
leave the waggons with Major Henderson, and proceed on horseback the
short distance of his journey which remained to be accomplished.

Several of