Alexander commenced his narrative, as his uncle requested, stating to him how they were fitted out; the names of all the people; describing Swinton and the Major, and giving a much closer narrative of what passed than we have done in these pages.  After an hour or so, during which Alexander had not got so far in his narrative as to have quitted the Cape for Algoa Bay, he left off, that he might not weary his uncle, and wished him good-night.

For many weeks did the narrative, and the conversation produced by it, serve to amuse and interest the old gentleman, who still remained in his bed.  But long before it was finished, Major Henderson had arrived at the hall, and had been introduced to Sir Charles, who was much pleased with him, and requested him to remain as long as he found it agreeable.  The Major, at Alexander’s request, had the lion and lioness set up in Leadbeater’s best style, and the case had now arrived at the hall, and was brought up into Sir Charles’s room, that he might have some idea of the animals with which they had had to contend; and there it remained, for the old gentleman would not allow it to be taken away.

“I must send out a present to that little Omrah,” said Sir Charles, one morning, as he was conversing with the Major; “what shall it be?”

“Well, sir, I hardly know; but I think the best present for him would be a watch.”

“Then, Major, order one of the best gold watches that can be made, when you go to town, and send it out to him; and, Major,—­I am sorry to give you that trouble, but I am an old bedridden man, and that must be my excuse,—­take the keys from the dressing-table, and open the small drawer of that cabinet, and you will find two morocco cases in it, which I will thank you to bring to me.”

The Major did so, and Sir Charles, raising himself on his pillow, opened the cases, which contained each a massive ring, in which was set a diamond of great value.

“These two rings were presented me by Eastern princes, Major, at the time that I was resident in their country.  There is little difference in their value, but you would find it difficult to match the stones, even in England.  I will shut the cases up again, and now that I have shut them up in my hands, take one out for me.  Thank you, Major; that one is a present from me to our friend Swinton, and you must send it out to him with the watch for the Bush-boy.  The other, Major, I hope you will not refuse to accept as a testimony of my gratitude to you, for having accompanied my dear boy on his expedition.”

Sir Charles put the other case into the Major’s hands.

“I certainly will not refuse any thing as a remembrance from you, Sir Charles,” replied the Major; “I accept your splendid present with many thanks, and so will Swinton, I am certain; but he will be more pleased with the kind attention than he will be with its great value; and I trust you will believe me when I add that such is also my own feeling.”