ountry. He had lately, during his
constant intercourse with military men, got on without a dispute; and he
hoped that such would be the case at present. All hands were busily
employed in taking the baggage on board and embarking the men, so that
neither he nor his officers had much time to attend to their guests.
The last person to arrive on board was Major Bubsby, commanding the
troops; and Jack was not a little taken aback when he found that he had
brought his wife and two tall daughters on board. The lady was almost
twice the height of her better half, and the daughters promised to grow
into the same proportions. The major was undoubtedly a short man,
although not a small one either in girth or in his own estimation. He
had a rubicund countenance, huge mustachios, and small, ferrety eyes.

"I was not aware that we should have ladies, or I should have advised
you not to bring them, although, as they have come, I will endeavour to
provide the best accommodation I can for them," said Jack, with his
usual politeness.

"You must understand, Captain Rogers, that I never move anywhere without
Mrs Bubsby and my daughters. They are accustomed to camp life, and
like it; and should I be wounded or fall sick, I should have them at
hand to nurse me. I require care, for I am not so young as I once was,
though still strong and active;" and the major twirled his mustachios
and gave a loud "Ahem!"

"I am afraid that the ladies will be put to much inconvenience, both on
board and on shore; for, should the regiment have to advance into the
interior, I don't know what will become of them," observed Jack. "And
if you will take my advice--though, as I have said, I am perfectly ready
to accommodate them--you will leave them at Cape Town to await your
return."

"Never! Captain Rogers, never!" exclaimed Major Bubsby. "If I do I
shall not know what they are about."

"But should you be killed, and there may be some sharp fighting, what
then will become of your wife and daughters?" observed Jack, eyeing the
stout little major.

"Then, Captain Rogers, I must beg that you will have the kindness so far
to oblige me as to take them back to Cape Town," answered the major,
looking evidently as if he did not quite like the remark. "I have now
been in the service thirty years, and have no intention that the Caffres
or any other savages should take my life. They are a contemptible lot.
Why, a glance from my eye alone would be sufficie