Alexander gladly accepted the offer, and requested Mr. Swinton would put himself to no expense, as he had unlimited command of money from his grand-uncle, and Mr. Swinton’s joining the caravan would make no difference in his arrangements.

After it had been agreed that they should travel together, the continued subject of discourse and discussion was the nature of the outfit, the number of wagons, their equipment, the stores, the number of horses and oxen which should he provided; and they were busy every day adding to their memoranda as to what it would be advisable to procure for their journey.

Mr. Fairburn often joined in the discussion, and gave his advice, but told them that, when they arrived at Cape Town, he might be more useful to them.  Alexander, who, as we have before observed, was a keen hunter, and very partial to horses and dogs, promised himself much pleasure in the chase of the wild animals on their journey, and congratulated himself upon being so well provided with guns and rifles, which he had brought with him, more with the idea that they might be required for self-defense than for sport.

At last, “Land, ho!” was cried out by the man who was at the mast-head in the morning watch, and soon afterward, the flat top of Table Mountain was distinctly visible from the deck.  The Surprise, running before a fresh breeze, soon neared the land, so that the objects on it might be perceived with a glass.  At noon they were well in for the bay, and before three o’clock the Surprise was brought to an anchor between two other merchant vessels, which were filling up their home cargoes.

After a three months’ voyage, passengers are rather anxious to get on shore; and therefore before night all were landed, and Alexander found himself comfortably domiciled in one of the best houses in Cape Town; for Mr. Fairburn had, during the passage, requested Alexander to take up his abode with him.

Tired with the excitement of the day, he was not sorry to go to bed early, and he did not forget to return his thanks to Him who had preserved him through the perils of the voyage.

The next morning Mr. Fairburn said to Alexander—­

“Mr. Wilmot, I should recommend you for the first ten days to think nothing about your journey.  Amuse yourself with seeing the public gardens, and other things worthy of inspection; or, if it pleases you, you can make the ascent of Table Mountain with your friend Swinton.  At all events, do just as you please; you will find my people attentive, and ready to obey your orders.  You know the hours of meals; consider yourself at home, and as much master here as I am.  As you may well imagine, after so long an absence, I have much to attend to in my official capacity, and I think it will be a week or ten days before I shall be comfortably reseated in my office, and have things going on smoothly, as they ought to do.  You must therefore excuse me if I am not quite so attentive a host at first as I should wish to be.  One thing only I recommend you to do at present, which is, to accompany me this afternoon to Government-house, that I may introduce you to the governor.  It is just as well to get over that mark of respect which is due to him, and then you will be your own master.”