you will want a great many, and if you do not wish them to have
sore backs, don't let the Hottentots ride them."

"We have been discussing the point, Major Henderson, as to whether it
will not be better to go round in a vessel to Algoa Bay, complete our
equipment there, and make that our starting-place."

"If you do, you will save a long journey by land, and find yourself not
very far from what I understand are the best of hunting-grounds, near to
the country of the Vaal River."

The topics then dwelt upon were what articles they should procure in
Cape Town, and what they should defer providing themselves with until
their arrival at Algoa Bay. They agreed to provide all their stores at
Cape Town, and as many good horses as they could select; but the waggons
and oxen, and the hiring of Hottentots, they put off until they arrived
at Algoa Bay.

Mr Fairburn was now more at leisure, and Alexander had more of his
society. One evening after dinner Mr Fairburn had opened a map of the
country, to give Alexander some information relative to his projected
journey. He pointed out to him the track which appeared most advisable
through the Caffre country, and then observed that it was difficult to
give any advice as to his proceedings after he had passed this country,
governed by Hinza, as everything would depend upon circumstances.

"Do you know anything of the country beyond?"

"Not much; we know that it was overrun by the Zoolus, the tribe of which
Chaka was the chief and last year our troops went to the assistance of
the Caffres, who were attacked by another tribe from the northward,
called the Mantatees. These were dispersed by our troops with immense
slaughter. The Zoolu country, you perceive, is on the east side of the
great chain of mountains, and to the northward of Port Natal. The
Mantatees came from the west side of the mountains, in about the same
parallel of latitude. It is impossible to say what may be going on at
present, or what may take place before you arrive at your destination,
as these northern irruptions are continual."

"You promised me the history of that person, Chaka."

"You shall have it now: he was the king of the Zoolu nation--I hardly
know what to call him. He was the Nero and the Napoleon of Africa; a
monster in cruelty and crime, yet a great warrior and conqueror. He
commenced his career by murdering his relatives to obtain the
sovereignty. As soon as he had succeeded, he murdered al