ld be more able
to render you any attention or assistance you may require."

"An excellent idea; if it were only on account of the baggage," replied
Henderson; "we accept your offer with pleasure."

"Well then, get them on shore as quick as you can; my men will soon have
them out for you and assist in transporting your luggage; and don't
distress yourself about your dinner, I will contrive to have something
cooked for you."

"A friend in need is a friend indeed, my good fellow. We will accept
your offers as freely as they are made: so farewell for an hour or so."

As they parted with Captain Maxwell, Henderson observed, "That was a
lucky meeting, for we shall now get on well. Maxwell is an excellent
fellow, and he will be very useful to us in making our purchases, as he
knows the people and the country; and our baggage will be safe from all
pilferers."

"It is indeed very fortunate," replied Mr Swinton; "where did you know
Captain Maxwell?"

"In India. We have often been out hunting tigers together. How he
would like to be of our party; but that is of course impossible."

"But how shall we manage about our living, Major Henderson?" observed
Wilmot; "it will never do to quarter ourselves on your friend."

"Of course not; we should soon eat up his pay and allowances. No, no;
we will find dinners, and he will help us to cook them first and eat
them afterwards."

"Upon such terms, I shall gladly take up my quarters in the fort,"
replied Alexander. "But which is our boat out of all these?"

"Here, sir," cried out one of the sailors; "come along, my lads,"
continued he to the other men, who were lounging about, and who all
jumped into the boat, which pushed off, and they were soon on board of
the ship.

As the master of the vessel was equally glad to get rid of his
passengers and their luggage as they were to leave, the utmost
expedition was used by all parties, and in a few hours everything was
landed, Begum, the baboon, being perched upon the stores conveyed in the
last boat. A party of soldiers sent down by Captain Maxwell assisted
the seamen to carry the various packages up to the fort, and before the
evening closed in, the tents were pitched, their beds made up, and their
baggage safely housed, while they were amusing themselves after dining
with Captain Maxwell, leaning over the parapet and watching the passing
and repassing of the boats which were unlading the vessels.

As there was little chance