FREE BOOKS

Author's List




PREV.   NEXT  
|<   241   242   243   244   245   246   247   248   249   250   251   252   253   >>  
ival of the waggons with his effects. In the mean time his mornings were chiefly passed with Swinton and the Major, the latter of whom intended to go to England by the same vessel as Alexander. Three weeks after their return to the Cape, the four waggons 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 the 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 waggon 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 waggons 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 accoutrements to correspond, as a mark of his attachment and Alexander desired that all the money which was realised by the sale of the remaining waggons 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 Omrah 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 baptised by the names 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 r
PREV.   NEXT  
|<   241   242   243   244   245   246   247   248   249   250   251   252   253   >>  



Top keywords:
Alexander
 

Swinton

 

waggons

 

Bremen

 

cattle

 

England

 

presented

 

consent

 

correspond

 
attachment

waggon

 

accoutrements

 

rifles

 

future

 

obtain

 

considered

 

fellows

 
description
 
livelihood
 
pressed

present

 

disposed

 

school

 

moment

 

admitted

 

months

 

observe

 

church

 
baptised
 

remains


turned
 
scholar
 

proxies

 
sponsors
 
Henderson
 
pleased
 

highly

 

clever

 
remaining
 
articles

accompanied
 

interior

 

realised

 
horses
 
telescope
 

keepsake

 

benefit

 

desired

 

treasures

 

unloaded