inutes they were shaking hands with the Major,
who was delighted to see them.

"I did not expect you back so soon," replied the Major; "and I perceive
that you are unaccompanied, I presume that your Caffre relations would
not quit their kraals."

"You shall know all about it, Major, very soon; it will be enough at
present to let you know that we have nothing but good news."

"That I rejoice to hear; but it was well you came back as you did, for I
have been making every preparation, and had you not returned in a few
days, I should have retreated; the invaders are close at hand."

"We know it, and, if they are told that there are waggons here well
loaded, they will come on quickly, with the hopes of plunder, so we must
delay no longer," replied Alexander; "to-morrow we will yoke and set
off. We can determine upon our route as we are travelling, but the
first point's to retreat from this quarter."

"Exactly; the oxen are in prime order and can make a long day's march,
and we know our country for some days, at all events; but enter my
fortress, dismount, and let us go into the tent which I have pitched.
You shall then tell me your adventures, while Mahomed fries a delicate
piece of elephant's flesh for you."

"Have you killed an elephant?"

"Yes, but not without much difficulty and some danger, I assure you; I
wanted your help sadly, for these Hottentots are too much alarmed to
take good aim, and I had only my own rifle to trust to; but I have done
very well considering, and I shall prove to our commander-in-chief that
I have supplied the garrison without putting him to any expense during
his absence. We have been feeding upon green monkeys for three days,
and very good eating they are, if you do not happen upon a very old
one."

When they entered the inclosure made by the Major, they were surprised
at the state of defence in which he had put it. His hedge of thorns
upon rocks piled up was impregnable, and the waggons were in the centre,
drawn up in a square; the entrance would only admit one person at a
time, and was protected by bars at night.

"Why, Major, you might have held out against the whole force of the
Amaquibi in this position."

"Yes, provided I had provisions and water," replied the Major; "but I
fear they would soon have starved me out; however, it was as well to be
prepared against any sudden night-attack, and therefore I fortified my
camp: now come in, and welcome back again."

The news whi