a little now and then. You shall begin
now, and mind you enter into every little detail,--everything will
interest me."

Alexander commenced his narrative, as his uncle requested, stating to
him how they were fitted out; the names of all the people; describing
Swinton and the Major, and giving a much closer narrative of what passed
than we have done in these pages. After an hour or so, during which
Alexander had not got so far in his narrative as to have quitted the
Cape for Algoa Bay, he left off, that he might not weary his uncle, and
wished him good-night.

For many weeks did the narrative, and the conversation produced by it,
serve to amuse and interest the old gentleman, who still remained in his
bed. But long before it was finished, Major Henderson had arrived at
the hall, and had been introduced to Sir Charles, who was much pleased
with him, and requested him to remain as long as he found it agreeable.
The Major, at Alexander's request, had the lion and lioness set up in
Leadbeater's best style, and the case had now arrived at the hall, and
was brought up into Sir Charles's room, that he might have some idea of
the animals with which they had had to contend; and there it remained,
for the old gentleman would not allow it to be taken away.

"I must send out a present to that little Omrah," said Sir Charles, one
morning, as he was conversing with the Major; "what shall it be?"

"Well, sir, I hardly know; but I think the best present for him would be
a watch."

"Then, Major, order one of the best gold watches that can be made, when
you go to town, and send it out to him; and, Major,--I am sorry to give
you that trouble, but I am an old bed-ridden man, and that must be my
excuse,--take the keys from the dressing-table, and open the small
drawer of that cabinet, and you will find two morocco cases in it, which
I will thank you to bring to me."

The Major did so, and Sir Charles, raising himself on his pillow, opened
the cases, which contained each a massive ring, in which was set a
diamond of great value.

"These two rings were presented me by Eastern princes, Major, at the
time that I was resident in their country. There is little difference
in their value, but you would find it difficult to match the stones,
even in England. I will shut the cases up again, and now that I have
shut them up in my hands, take one out for me. Thank you, Major; that
one is a present from me to our friend Swinton, and you mu