Part 5 (2/2)

Alexander, who had contracted a great friendshi+p for Mr Swinton, had made known to him the cause of his intended journey into the interior, and the latter volunteered, if his co, to accompany Alexander on his tedious and soladly accepted the offer, and requested Mr Swinton would put himself to no expense, as he had unlirand-uncle, and Mr Swinton's joining the caravan would ereed that they should travel together, the continued subject of discourse and discussion was the nature of the outfit, the nuons, their equipment, the stores, the number of horses and oxen which should he provided; and they were busy every day adding to their memoranda as to what it would be advisable to procure for their journey

Mr Fairburn often joined in the discussion, and gave his advice, but told theht be more useful to them Alexander, who, as we have before observed, was a keen hunter, and very partial to horses and dogs, promised himself much pleasure in the chase of the wild ani so well provided with guns and rifles, which he had brought with hiht be required for self-defense than for sport

At last, ”Land, ho!” was cried out by thewatch, and soon afterward, the flat top of Table Mountain was distinctly visible fro before a fresh breeze, soon neared the land, so that the objects on it lass At noon they ell in for the bay, and before three o'clock the _Surprise_ was brought to an anchor between two other oes

After a three et on shore; and therefore before night all were landed, and Alexander found himself comfortably domiciled in one of the best houses in Cape Town; for Mr Fairburn had, during the passage, requested Alexander to take up his abode with him

Tired with the exciteo to bed early, and he did not forget to return his thanks to Hie

The nextMr Fairburn said to Alexander--

”Mr Wilmot, I should reco about your journey As worthy of inspection; or, if it pleases you, you can make the ascent of Table Mountain with your friend Swinton At all events, do just as you please; you will find my people attentive, and ready to obey your orders You know the hours of meals; consider yourself at hoine, after so long an absence, I have much to attend to in my official capacity, and I think it will be a week or ten days before I shall be co on sht to do You must therefore excuse me if I am not quite so attentive a host at first as I should wish to be One thing only I recommend you to do at present, which is, to accompany me this afternoon to Governovernor

It is just as well to get over that mark of respect which is due to him, and then you will be your own raciously received by the governor, who promised him every assistance in his power in the prosecution of his journey Having received an invitation for dinner on the following day, Alexander bowed and took his leave in co day Alexander was visited by Mr Swinton Mr Swinton was accoal Cavalry, whom he introduced as Major Henderson He had arrived a few days before fro obtained leave of absence for the recovery of his health, after a se, however, had completely reinstated him, and he appeared full of life and spirits

They walked together to the Coardens, in which were a few lions, and some other Cape animals, and the discourse naturally turned upon the in India, especially the tiger-hunting on elephants, to which he was very partial; and Alexander soon discovered that he was talking to one as passionately fond of the sport After a long conversation they parted, mutually pleased with each other A day or two afterward, Mr Swinton, who had been talking about their intended journey with Alexander, said to him:--

”You must not be surprised at the off-hand and uncere abroad, even Englishmen occasionally, throw aside much ceremony I mention this, because Major Henderson intends to call this afternoon, and propose joining our party into the interior I do not know much of him, but I have heard much said in his favor, and it is easy to see by his entleman Of course, when he stated his intention, I could do nothing but refer him to you, which I did What do you think, Wilmot?”

”I think very well of Major Henderson, and I consider that, as the journey must be one of some peril, the more Europeans the better, especially e can find one who is used to danger fro, which wehim to join us, I consider hihted at the idea”

”Well, I a mad, that is certain, and I hear, a most remarkable shot I think with you he will be an acquisition It appears that it was his intention to have gone into the interior, even if he went by hiht with him from India with that view”

”If you see him before he comes, you may say that you have stated his wishes toour party,--it being perfectly understood that he is at no expense for any thing connected with the outfit”

”I will tell hiin to collect what is necessary the better We must have Major Henderson in our councils Depend upon it, he will be very useful and very active; so, for the present, farewell”

Mr Swinton and Major Henderson called together that afternoon, and the latter, as soon as he was adan to talk over the plans and preparations

”My suite is not very large,” said he; ”I have two horses and two dogs, a Parsee servant, and a Cape baboon I should like to take the latter with us as well as ood cook; and my monkey, because, if we are hard put to it, she will shoe may eat and e may not; there is no taster like aand full of tricks, and I like soood quality: they give notice of danger sooner than a dog,” observed Swinton ”I think, Wilmot, we must admit the monkey into the party”

”I shall be ive her my compliments, Major Henderson, and say how happy I shall be”

”I call her Beguu, when in India with ood horses, Mr

Wilreat many, and if you do not wish them to have sore backs, don't let the Hottentots ride the the point, Major Henderson, as to whether it will not be better to go round in a vessel to Algoa Bay, co place”

”If you do, you will save a long journey by land, and find yourself not very far frorounds, near to the country of the Vaal River”

The topics then dwelt upon hat articles they should procure in Cape Town, and what they should defer providing thereed to provide all their stores at Cape Town, and as ons and oxen, and the hiring of Hottentots, they put off until they arrived at Algoa Bay