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 accouterments to correspond, as a mark of his attachment; and Alexander desired that all the money which was realized by the sale of the remaining wagons 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 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 baptized by the name 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 reclaiming his countrymen, the bushmen, from their savage way of life, and has been of great service to the missionaries as interpreter of the Word to his heathen brethren.

About a fortnight after the return of the wagons to Cape Town, a free trader cast anchor in Table Bay to take in water, and Alexander and the Major secured a passage in her to England.  Alexander parted with great regret from Mr. Fairburn and Swinton, with whom he promised to correspond, and they sailed with a fair wind for St. Helena, where they remained for a few days, and took that opportunity of visiting the tomb of Napoleon, the former emperor of the French.  A seven weeks’ passage brought them into the Channel-and they once more beheld the white cliffs of England.

Alexander’s impatience to see his uncle, from whom he had found a letter waiting for him on his return to the Cape, stating that he was in tolerable health, induced him to leave the ship in a pilot-boat, and land at Falmouth.  Taking leave for a time of the Major, who preferred going on to Portsmouth, Alexander traveled with all possible speed, and on the second day arrived at his uncle’s.

“Is my uncle quite well!” said Alexander, as he leaped out of the chaise, to the old butler who was at the door.

“No sir, not quite well:  he has been in bed for this last week, but there is nothing serious the matter, I believe.”

Alexander hastened up stairs and was once more in the arms of Sir Charles Wilmot, who embraced him warmly, and then, exhausted with the emotion, sank back on his pillow.

“Leave me for a little while, my dear boy, till I recover myself a little,” said Sir Charles.  “I have no complaint, but I am very weak and feeble.  I will send for you very soon.”

Alexander, who was himself much affected, was not sorry to withdraw for a while, and sent the housekeeper, who attended his aged relative, into the room.  In about an hour a message arrived requesting that he would return to his uncle.