st, my dear sir,
leave to your imagination the scene which followed."

"Yes, sir," said Mr S, folding up the letter, "a missionary's wife, who
fellows him into such scenes and such perils and privations, does,
indeed, `cleave to her husband.'"

"Indeed she does," replied Mr Swinton; "but we will tax you no longer,
my dear sir. Good-night."

CHAPTER TWELVE.

On the following day, a little before noon, loud shouts and men dancing
and calling out the titles of the king of the Caffres announced his
approach. These men were a sort of heralds, who invariably preceded him
on a visit of ceremony. A band of warriors, armed with their assaguays
and shields, next made their appearance, and then Hinza, accompanied by
fifty of his chief councillors: with the exception of their long krosses
of beast-skins thrown over their shoulders, they were all naked, and
each daubed with grease and red ochre. As soon as they arrived in front
of the Mission-house, they sat down in a circle on each side of the
Caffre king, who was treated with marked respect by all, and by the
common people in particular, who assembled on his presence. Every one
who happened to pass by gave what was termed a `salute' of honour to the
king, who did not appear to consider that it required any acknowledgment
on his part.

Our travellers, accompanied by the missionary, advanced unto the circle,
and saluted his majesty. Mr S then explained the object of their
journey, and their wish that a small party of the king's warriors should
accompany them on their expedition. As soon as the speech was ended, a
few pounds of coloured beads, a roll of tobacco, two pounds of snuff,
and some yards of scarlet cloth, were laid before his majesty as a
present. Hinza nodded his head with approval when the articles were
spread before him, and then turned to his councillors, with whom he
whispered some time, and then he replied, "that the strange white men
should pass through his country without fear, that his warriors should
accompany them as far as they wished to go; but," he added, "do the
strangers know that there is disorder in the country beyond?"

Mr S replied that they did, and were anxious to go, and return as soon
as possible, on that account.

Hinza replied, "It is well; if there is danger, my warriors will let
them know--if it is necessary, they will fight for them--if the enemy is
too strong, the white men must return."

Hinza then ordered some of his cou