oborate 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 will not be much danger; and if there is, you must retreat.
The favor of these despots is easily to be obtained by judicious
presents, which of course you will not be unprovided with. I have
ordered your letters to the authorities to be made out, and you will
have the governor's signature to them. When do you propose to, start?"

"We shall be ready in a few days, and have only to find a vessel going
to Algoa Bay."

"You will be asked to take charge of several articles which are to be
sent to the missionary station which you will pass on your way. I
presume you have no objection?"

"Certainly not; they deserve every encouragement, and any kindness and
attention I can show them will give me great pleasure."

Alexander received many proposals from different parties who wished to
join the expedition, but they were all civilly declined. In a few days a
vessel arrived, which was about to go 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,
Alexander, Major Henderson, and Mr. Swinton embarked, and on the evening
of the fourth day found themselves safe at anchor in company with ten or
twelve vessels which were lying in Algoa Bay.

CHAPTER VIII.

The vessels which lay at anchor in Algoa Bay had just arrived from
England, with a numerous collection of emigrants, who, to improve their
fortunes, had left their native land to settle in this country. Many had
landed, but the greater proportion were still on board of the vessels.
The debarkation was rapidly going on, and the whole bay was covered with
boats landing with people and stores, or returning for more. The wind
blowing from the westward, there was no surf on the beach; the sun was
bright and warm, and the scene was busy and interesting; but night came
on, and the panorama was closed in.

Alexander and his companions remained on the deck of their vessel till
an undisturbed silence reigned where but an hour or two before all was
noise and bustle. The stars, so beautiful in the southern climes, shone
out in cloudless brilliancy; the waters of the bay were smooth as glass,
and reflected them so clearly that they might have fancied that there
was a heaven beneath as we