rs had been well digested. They had decided that
they would first prosecute the object of their journey by proceeding
straight through the Caffre country to the borders of the Undata River,
near or whereabout it was reported that the descendants of the whites
would be found located; and as soon as Alexander had accomplished his
mission, that they would cross the chain of mountains, and return
through the Bushmen and the Koranna country. Their reason for making
this arrangement was, that throughout the whole of the Caffre country,
with the exception of lions and elephants in the forest, and hippopotami
in the rivers, there was little or no game to be found, the Caffres
having almost wholly destroyed it.

This plan had been suggested by Major Henderson, and had been approved
by Alexander and Mr. Swinton,--Alexander being equally desirous as the
Major to have plenty of field-sport, and Mr. Swinton anxious to increase
his stock and knowledge of the animal kingdom. There was little to be
feared in their advance through the Caffre country, as the missionaries
had already planted two missions, one at Butterworth and the other at
Chumie; and the first of these Alexander had decided upon visiting, and
had, in consequence, several packages in his wagon, which had been
entrusted to his care.

It was on the 7th of May, 1829, that the caravan quitted Algoa Bay for
Graham's Town. The weather had been for some weeks fine, the heavy rains
having ceased, and the pasturage was now luxuriant; the wagons proceeded
at a noiseless pace over the herbage, the sleepy Hottentots not being at
all inclined to exert themselves unnecessarily. Alexander, Swinton, and
Henderson were on horseback, a little ahead of the first wagon.

"I don't know how you feel," said the Major; "but I feel as if I were a
prisoner just released from his chains. I breathe the air of
independence and liberty now. After the bustle, and noise, and crowding
together of the town, to find ourselves here so quiet and solitary is
freedom."

"I had the same feeling," replied Alexander; "this wide-extended plain,
of which we can not yet discern the horizontal edge; these brilliant
stars scattered over the heavens, and shining down upon us; no sound to
meet our ears but the creaking of the wagon-wheels in the slow and
measured pace, is to me delightful. They say man is formed for society,
and so he is; but it is very delightful occasionally to be alone."

"Yes; alone as we are,