Mr. Swinton and Major Henderson called together that afternoon, and the latter, as soon as he was admitted into the party, began to talk over the plans and preparations.

“My suite is not very large,” said he; “I have two horses and two dogs, a Parsee servant, and a Cape baboon.  I should like to take the latter with us as well as my servant.  My servant, because he is a good cook; and my monkey, because, if we are hard put to it, she will show us what we may eat and what we may not; there is no taster like a monkey.  Besides, she is young and full of tricks, and I like something to amuse me.”

“The baboons have another good quality:  they give notice of danger sooner than a dog,” observed Swinton.  “I think, Wilmot, we must admit the monkey into the party.”

“I shall be most happy,” replied Alexander, laughing; “pray give her my compliments, Major Henderson, and say how happy I shall be.”

“I call her Begum,” said Major Henderson; “because she is so like the old Begum princess whom I was once attending, when in India with my troop, as guard of honor.  You must look out for some good horses, Mr. Wilmot; you will want a great many, and if you do not wish them to have sore backs, don’t let the Hottentots ride them.”

“We have been discussing the point, Major Henderson, as to whether it will not be better to go round in a vessel to Algoa Bay, complete our equipment there, and make that our starting place.”

“If you do, you will save a long journey by land, and find yourself not very far from what I understand are the best of hunting-grounds, near to the country of the Vaal River.”

The topics then dwelt upon were what articles they should procure in Cape Town, and what they should defer providing themselves with until their arrival at Algoa Bay.  They agreed to provide all their stores at Cape Town, and as many good horses as they could select; but the wagons and oxen, and the hiring of Hottentots, they put off until they arrived at Algoa Bay.

Mr. Fairburn was now more at leisure, and Alexander had more of his society.  One evening after dinner Mr. Fairburn had opened a map of the country, to give Alexander some information relative to his projected journey.  He pointed out to him the track which appeared most advisable through the Caffre country, and then observed that it was difficult to give any advice as to his proceedings after he had passed this country, governed by Hinza, as every thing would depend upon circumstances.

“Do you know any thing of the country beyond?”

“Not much; we know that it was overrun by the Zoolus, the tribe of which Chaka was the chief; and last year our troops went to the assistance of the Caffres, who were attacked by another tribe from the northward, called the Mantatees.  These were dispersed by our troops with immense slaughter.  The Zoolu country, you perceive, is on the east side of the great chain of mountains, and to the northward of Port Natal.  The Mantatees came from the west side of the mountains, in about the same parallel of latitude.  It is impossible to say what may be going on at present, or what may take place before you arrive at your destination, as these northern irruptions are continual.”