e accordingly. All that can be settled
now is, that to-morrow we start on our return, and that we will cross
the mountains, if we possibly can."

"Yes, that is decided," replied Alexander.

"Well, then, as soon as you have finished your elephant-steak, Wilmot,
we will get out a bottle of wine, drink the first half of it to
congratulate you upon the success of your mission, and the other half
shall be poured out in bumpers to a happy return."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE RETURN.

The delight of the Hottentots at the announcement of the return of the
expedition was not to be concealed; and now that they knew that they
were retreating from the danger, as they were further removed they
become proportionably brave. We must not include all the Hottentots in
this observation, as Bremen, Swanevelt, and one or two more, were really
brave men; but we do refer to the principal portion of them, with Big
Adam at their head, who now flourished and vapoured about, as if he
could by himself kill and eat the whole army of the dreaded Quetoo.

As it was the intention of our travellers to pass over the Mambookei
chain of mountains, into the Bushman and Koranna territory, they did not
return the same route by which they came, but more to the westward,
through the territory of the Tambookie Caffres, not at any one time
entering upon the territory of the Amakosas, the tribe of Caffres
governed by Hinza, who had lent them his warriors.

Voosani, the chief of the Tambookies, was very friendly, and had offered
no opposition to their passage through a portion of his domains on their
advance. They now lost no time, but continued their journey as fast as
they could, although during the day they saw a great quantity of game,
and were almost every night saluted with the roarings of the lions.

In a week they found themselves on the banks of the White Kae River, and
not far from the foot of the mountains which they intended to pass.
Here they halted, with the intention of remaining some few days, that
they might unload and re-arrange the packing of their waggons, repair
what was necessary, and provide themselves with more oxen and sheep for
their journey in the sterile territory of the Bushmen.

During their route, the rumours relative to the army of Quetoo were
incessant. He had attacked and murdered Lieutenant Farewell and his
people, who were on a trading expedition in the interior, and taken
possession of and plundered their waggons