" replied Swinton, laughing; "that is, with a
party of thirty people, well armed, in search of adventure. To be clear
of the bustle of the town, and no longer cooped up in the fort, is
pleasant enough; but, I suspect, to be quite alone in these African
wilds would be any thing but agreeable."

"Perhaps so."

"Neither would you feel so much at ease if you knew that your chance of
to-morrow's dinner was to depend wholly upon what you might procure with
your gun. There is a satisfaction in knowing that you have four
well-filled wagons behind you."

"I grant that also," replied the Major; "but still there is solitude
even with this company, and I feel it."

"A solitary caravan--but grant that there is some difference between
that and a solitary individual," rejoined Swinton; "however, we have not
come to solitude yet, for we shall find Dutch boors enough between this
and Graham's Town."

"I think, Wilmot," observed Henderson, "that I should, if I were you,
proceed by slow stages at first, that we may get our men into some kind
of order and discipline, and also that we may find out whether there are
any who will not suit us; we can discharge them at Graham's Town, and
procure others in their place, at the same time that we engage our
interpreters and guides."

"I think your plan very good," replied Alexander; "besides, we shall not
have our wagons properly laden and arranged until we have been out three
or four days."

"One thing is absolutely necessary, which is, to have a guard kept
every night," said Swinton; "and there ought to be two men on guard at a
time; for one of them is certain to fall asleep, if not both. I know the
Hottentots well."

"They will be excellent guards, by your account," said Alexander;
"however, the dogs will serve us more faithfully."

"I do not mean my remark to include all Hottentots; some are very
faithful, and do their duty; but it comprehends the majority."

"Are they courageous?" inquired Alexander.

"Yes, certainly, they may be considered as a brave race of men; but
occasionally there is a poltroon, and, like all cowards, he brags more
than the rest."

"I've a strong suspicion that we have one of that kind among our
hunters," replied Henderson; "however, it is not fair to prejudge; I may
be mistaken."

"I think I know which you refer to, nevertheless," said Alexander; "it
is the great fellow that they call Big Adam."

"You have hit upon the man, and to a certain degree cor