said Swinton, "for I should be unhappy if we
did not all three return safe to the Cape. I never saw a finer lion's
skin: I will arrange it for you, that it shall arrive at the Cape in
good order."

As usual, the afternoon was by the Hottentots devoted to eating as much
as they could possibly contrive to get down their throats; the flesh of
the eland was pronounced excellent by our travelers, and there was much
more than they could possibly consume. The Hottentots were only allowed
to bring a certain quantity into the camp, that they might not attract
the wild beasts. They would have brought it all in, although they never
could have eaten it. The cattle were driven up in the evening, the fires
lighted, and the night passed quietly away.

At daylight they turned the cattle out to graze for a couple of hours,
and then yoked and proceeded on their journey, keeping as near as they
could to the banks of the river. They saw many hippopotami, snorting and
rising for a moment above the water, but they passed by them without
attempting to shoot at them, as they did not wish to disturb the other
game. As they advanced, the variety of flowers which were in bloom
attracted the notice of Alexander, who observed--"Does not this plain
put you in mind of a Turkey carpet, Major; so gay with every variety of
color?"

"Yes, and as scentless," replied the Major; "they are all very brilliant
in appearance; but one modest English violet is, to my fancy, worth them
all."

"I agree with you," replied Swinton; "but still you must acknowledge
that this country is beautiful beyond description,--these grassy meads
so spangled with numerous flowers, and so broken by the masses of grove
and forest! Look at these aloes blooming in profusion, with their coral
tufts--in England what would they pay for such an exhibition?--and the
crimson and lilac hues of these poppies and amaryllis blended together:
neither are you just in saying that there is no scent in this gay
parterre. The creepers which twine up those stately trees are very
sweetly scented; and how picturesque are the twinings of those vines
upon the mimosas. I can not well imagine the garden of Eden to have been
more beautiful."

"And in another respect there is a resemblance," said the Major,
laughing; "the serpent is in it"

"Yes, I grant that," replied Swinton.

"Well, I can feel no real pleasure without security; if I am to be ever
on the alert, and turning my eyes in every directio