ks after their
return to the Cape, the four wagons arrived, and excited much curiosity,
as they were filled with every variety of the animal kingdom which was
indigenous to the country. Swinton's treasures were soon unloaded and
conveyed to his house, and our naturalist was as happy as an
enthusiastic person could be in the occupation that they gave him.
Alexander only selected a few things, among which were the skins of the
lion and lioness. As for the Major, he had had all his pleasure in the
destruction of the animals.

Bremen reported that all the Hottentots had behaved very well, and that
Big Adam had nearly recovered, and was able to limp about a little,
although it would be a long while before he would regain the perfect use
of his leg. Alexander now sent for them all, and paid them their wages,
with an extra sum as a gratuity for their good conduct. To Bremen and
Swanevelt, who had invariably conducted themselves faithfully, and who
had been the leading and most trustworthy men, he gave to each a wagon
and span of ten oxen as a present by which they might in future obtain
their livelihood, and the poor fellows considered themselves as rich as
the king of England. The other wagons and cattle of every description
were left with Swinton to be disposed of.

The Major pressed Swinton very hard to part with little Omrah, but
Swinton would not consent. The Major therefore presented Omrah with one
of his best rifles, and accouterments to correspond, as a mark of his
attachment; and Alexander desired that all the money which was realized
by the sale of the remaining wagons and other articles, as well as the
cattle and horses, should be put by for Omrah's benefit. As a keepsake,
Alexander gave the lad his telescope, with which he knew that would be
highly pleased.

We may here as well observe, that, a few months after Alexander and the
Major left the Cape, Omrah, who had been placed at a school by Swinton,
was admitted into the church, and baptized by the name of Alexander
Henderson Omrah; Alexander and the Major being his sponsors by proxies.
He turned out a very clever scholar, and remains with Swinton at this
moment. He has more than once accompanied him into the interior, and has
done much in reclaiming his countrymen, the bushmen, from their savage
way of life, and has been of great service to the missionaries as
interpreter of the Word to his heathen brethren.

About a fortnight after the return of the wagons to