“He was a demon who reveled in blood; but his own turn came at last.  He was murdered by his brother Dingaam, who knew that he was about to be sacrificed; and thus perished the bloody Chaka.  His brother Dingaam is now on the Zoolu throne, and appears inclined to be quiet.  There is another great warrior chief named Moselekatsee, who revolted from Chaka, and who is much such another character; but our accounts of these people are vague at present, and require time to corroborate their correctness.  You will have to act and decide when you arrive there, and must be guided by circumstances.  With the caravan you propose to travel with, I think there will not be much danger; and if there is, you must retreat.  The favor of these despots is easily to be obtained by judicious presents, which of course you will not be unprovided with.  I have ordered your letters to the authorities to be made out, and you will have the governor’s signature to them.  When do you propose to, start?”

“We shall be ready in a few days, and have only to find a vessel going to Algoa Bay.”

“You will be asked to take charge of several articles which are to be sent to the missionary station which you will pass on your way.  I presume you have no objection?”

“Certainly not; they deserve every encouragement, and any kindness and attention I can show them will give me great pleasure.”

Alexander received many proposals from different parties who wished to join the expedition, but they were all civilly declined.  In a few days a vessel arrived, which was about to go round to the settlement at Algoa Bay.  Their stores, horses, and dogs, not forgetting Begum the baboon, were all embarked, and, taking leave of Mr. Fairburn and the governor, Alexander, Major Henderson, and Mr. Swinton embarked, and on the evening of the fourth day found themselves safe at anchor in company with ten or twelve vessels which were lying in Algoa Bay.

CHAPTER VIII.

The vessels which lay at anchor in Algoa Bay had just arrived from England, with a numerous collection of emigrants, who, to improve their fortunes, had left their native land to settle in this country.  Many had landed, but the greater proportion were still on board of the vessels.  The debarkation was rapidly going on, and the whole bay was covered with boats landing with people and stores, or returning for more.  The wind blowing from the westward, there was no surf on the beach; the sun was bright and warm, and the scene was busy and interesting; but night came on, and the panorama was closed in.