at last he removed them, and said,--"I cannot, much as I wish
it, no,--I cannot consent, my dear boy; the danger will be too great.
You must not risk your life. It is very kind of you--very kind; but no,
it must not be."

"Indeed, sir, I think, on reflection, you will alter your mind. As for
danger--what danger can there be when missionaries are permitted to form
their stations, and reside uninjured among the very savages who were so
hostile when the _Grosvenor_ was lost? The country, which was then a
desert, is now inhabited by Europeans, within 200 miles of the very spot
where the _Grosvenor_ was wrecked. The continual emigration since the
Cape has fallen under British government, and the zeal of those who have
braved all dangers to make known the Word of God to the heathen and
idolater, have in forty years made such an alteration, that I see no
more danger in the mission which I propose than I do in a visit to
Naples; and as for time, I have every reason to expect that I shall be
back sooner than in the two years which you have proposed for my stay on
the continent."

"But if some accident were to happen to you, I should never forgive
myself for having given my consent, and the few days that are left to me
would be rendered miserable."

"My dear sir, we are in the hands of God; and (short-sighted as we are)
in running away from danger, as often run into it. What we call an
accident, the fall of a brick or a stone, the upsetting of a vehicle,
anything however trivial or seemingly improbable, may summon us away
when we least expect it: `In the midst of life we are in death,' and
that death I may meet by staying in this country, which I might have
avoided by going on this expedition. Difficulties may arise, and some
danger there may be, I admit; but when prepared to encounter both, we
are more safe than when, in fancied security, we are taken unawares. Do
not, I entreat you, sir, refuse me this favour; I have considered well,
and shall be most unhappy if I am not permitted to obtain the
information for you which you have so much at heart. Let my travels be
of some advantage to you as well as to myself. Do not refuse, I entreat
you."

"You are a good boy, Alexander, and your kindness makes me still more
unwilling to part with you. I hardly know what to say. Let us drop the
subject for the present; we will talk of it to-morrow or next day. I
must have time for reflection."

Alexander Wilmot did not fail