The Mission

impression upon Alexander Wilmot; it occasioned him to pass a very sleepless

he narrative had, at the time, made some impression upon his young mind, he had seldom, if ever, heard it spoken of since, and may have been said to have almost forgotten it. He was therefore not a little surprised when he f

on the continent, and Sir Charles had immediately given his consent that he should remain abroad, if he pleased, for two years. When he approved, however, of Alexander's plans, he had made a remark as to his own age and infirmity, and the probable chance that they might not meet again in this world; and this

m so long as the two years of traveling on the continent, which had been consented to by his grand-uncle, and, instead of traveling for his own pleasure, he might be the means of satisfying the mind and quieting the anxiety of one who had been so kind to him. Indeed, he should actually prefer a journey into the interior of Africa to a mere sojourn of some time on the continent; the very peril and danger, the anticipation of distress and hardship, were pleasing to his high and courageous mind, and before he fell asleep Alexander had made up his m

were kind enough to give me your permissio

that you should wish to see the world, and you have

y you; to tell you the truth, I do not think that one sees much of the w

, in which you will of course mix; and not so very much as people may imagine among the mass of population; but the scenery of the countries and the remains of ancient times are still interesting, and

from a continental tour; perhaps I may add that I should derive more profit if I

ing in England for the present?-if so, I am sure it is on my

do not go elsewhere. I have abandoned my continental tour for the present; but

on would you now proceed? Do you wish to

Hope, and from thence proceed to the northward, to ascertain, if possible, what now is a source of sad disquiet to you, t

and said,-"I can not, much as I wish it, no,-I can not consent, my dear boy; the danger will be

rt, 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

ver forgive myself for having given my consent, and the

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 ar

to part with you. I hardly know what to say. Let us drop the subject for the pre

r Charles gave his unwilling consent. In the meantime, the books which Alexander had read had produced a great effect upon him. When he first proposed the mission, it was more from a feeling of gratitude toward his old relative than any other, but now he was most anxious to go on his own account. The narratives of combats with wild beasts, the quantity and variety of game to be found, and the continual excitement which would be kept up, inflamed his imagination and his love of field sports

ep you well till my return," sa

nd allow you to return and close my eyes,

k. The next day, the Surprise weighed anchor and ran through the Needles, and before the night c