but I must say, if it is only to
end in a morning call, you have come a long way for the purpose,"
replied the Major.

"I have come to ascertain a fact, which, from what I now know of the
country and its inhabitants, will be the source of any thing but
pleasure if it be established. My only hope is that it may prove
otherwise than we suppose; and there is little chance of that, I fear."

"At all events, come what may," observed Swinton, "you will have done
your duty."

On their return, they found all the men and cattle collected, and that
night they increased the number of their fires, and tied the oxen to the
wagons, that they might not be scattered by the return of the lion. The
latter did not, however, make his appearance, and the night was passed
without any disturbance. The following day being Sunday, the Hottentots
were assembled, and desired not to start from the camp, as they would be
expected to attend to prayers and Divine service; and as no hunting
expedition was proposed, the Caffre warriors, as well as the native
Caffres, who came in with their baskets of milk and other articles for
sale and barter, also remained. Before dinner-time, the bell which had
been brought with them from the Cape, to ring in case of any one having
strayed from the camp, that he might be guided to return, was tolled by
Bremen, and the Hottentots were assembled. Prayers and a portion of the
Bible were then read.

The Caffre warriors, who had been told that the white men were going to
pray to their God, were very silent and attentive, although they could
not understand what was said; and the native Caffres, men, women and
children, sat down and listened. As soon as the service was over, the
Caffre head man of the warriors asked the interpreter to inquire of our
travelers why they struck the bell? was it to let God know that they
were about to pray, and did he hear what they said?

Swinton replied, that their God heard all that they said, and listened
to the prayers of those who trusted in him.

A great many other questions were put by the Caffres, all of which were
replied to with great caution by Mr. Swinton, as he was fearful that
they might not otherwise be understood by the Caffres; but they were, as
it was proved by the questions which followed in consequence. A great
portion of the afternoon was passed away in explaining and replying to
the interrogatories of these people, and our travelers felt convinced
that by having