The Mission

p for Mr. Swinton, had made known to him the cause of his intended journey into the interior, and the latter volunte

f to no expense, as he had unlimited command of money from his grand-uncle, and

re of the outfit, the number of wagons, their equipment, the stores, the number of horses and oxen which should he provid

have before observed, was a keen hunter, and very partial to horses and dogs, promised himself much pleasure in the chase of the wild animals on their journey, and congratul

ible from the deck. The Surprise, running before a fresh breeze, soon neared the land, so that the objects on it might be perceived with a glass. At noon they wer

ht all were landed, and Alexander found himself comfortably domiciled in one of the best houses in Ca

to bed early, and he did not forget to return his thanks to

Mr. Fairburn sa

bey your orders. You know the hours of meals; consider yourself at home, and as much master here as I am. As you may well imagine, 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 comfortably reseated in my office, and have things going on smoothly, as they ought to do. Yo

every assistance in his power in the prosecution of his journey. Having received an invitation

tal. The voyage, however, had completely reinstated him, and he appeared full of life and spirits. They walked together to the Company's gardens, in which were a few lions, and some other Cape animals, and the discourse naturally turned upon them. Major Henderson described the hunting in India, especially the tiger-hunting on

, 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

etter, especially when we can find one who is used to danger from his profession, and also to dangerous hunting, which we must

arkable shot. I think with you he will be an acquisition. It appears that it was his intention to have gone into the

o me, and that I am quite delighted at his joining our party,-it being perfect

what is necessary the better. We must have Major Henderson in our councils. Depen

ernoon, and the latter, as soon as he was admitted into

with us as well as my servant. My servant, because he is a good cook; and my monkey, because, if we are hard put to it, she will show us what

ce of danger sooner than a dog," observed Swinton. "I

laughing; "pray give her my compliments, Maj

nding, when in India with my troop, as guard of honor. You must look out for some good horses, Mr. Wilmot; yo

her it will not be better to go round in a vessel to Algoa Bay,

yourself not very far from what I understand are the best

elves with until their arrival at Algoa Bay. They agreed to provide all their stores at Cape Town, and as many good horses

er some information relative to his projected journey. He pointed out to him the track which appeared most advisable through the Caffre country, and then observed

y thing of the

antatees. These were dispersed by our troops with immense slaughter. The Zoolu country, you perceive, is on the east side of the great chain of mountains, and to the northward of Port Natal. The Mantatees came from the west s

the history of th

a monster in cruelty and crime, yet a great warrior and conqueror. He commenced his career by murdering his relatives to obtain the sove

the Zoolu

ave been in Africa. Some convulsion among the northern tribes, probably a pressure from excessive population, had driven the Zoolus to the southward, and they came down like an inundation, sweeping before them all the tribes that fel

a mo

to use any other weapon but a short stabbing-spear, so that they always fought at close quarters. He weeded his army by picking out 1000 of his veteran warriors, who had gained his victories, and putting them to death. Any regi

, in

is wives in one day. At the slightest suspicion he would order out his chiefs to execution, and no one knew when his turn might come. His will was law: every one trembled and obeyed. To enter into a detail of all his cruelties would fill volumes; it will be sufficient to mention the

horri

, who revolted from Chaka, and who is much such another character; but our accounts of these people are vague at present, and require time to corroborate their correctness. You will have to act and decide when you arrive there, and must be guided by circumstances. With the caravan you propose to travel with, I think there wil

days, and have only to find

hich are to be sent to the missionary station which you

gement, and any kindness and attention I c

round to the settlement at Algoa Bay. Their stores, horses, and dogs, not forgetting Begum the baboon, were all embarked, and, taking leave of Mr. Fairburn and the governor, Alexande