“Yes, sir,” said Mr. S., folding up the letter, “a missionary’s wife, who follows him into such scenes and such perils and privations, does, indeed, ‘cleave to her husband.’”

“Indeed she does,” replied Mr. Swinton; “but we will tax you no longer, my dear sir.  Good-night.”

CHAPTER XII.

On the following day, a little before noon, loud shouts and men dancing and calling out the titles of the king of the Caffres announced his approach.  These men were a sort of heralds, who invariably preceded him on a visit of ceremony.  A band of warriors armed with their assaguays and shields, next made their appearance, and then Hinza, accompanied by fifty of his chief councilors:  with the exception of their long krosses of beast-skins thrown over their shoulders, they were all naked, and each daubed with grease and red ocher.  As soon as they arrived in front of the Mission-house, they sat down in a circle on each side of the Caffre king, who was treated with marked respect by all, and by the common people in particular, who assembled on his presence.  Every one who happened to pass by gave what was termed a ‘salute’ of honor to the king, who did not appear to consider that it required any acknowledgment on his part.

Our travelers, accompanied by the missionary, advanced into the circle, and saluted his majesty.  Mr. S. then explained the object of their journey, and their wish that a small party of the king’s warriors should accompany them on their expedition.  As soon as the speech was ended, a few pounds of colored beads, a roll of tobacco, two pounds of snuff, and some yards of scarlet cloth, were laid before his majesty as a present.  Hinza nodded his head with approval when the articles were spread before him, and then turned to his councilors, with whom he whispered some time, and then he replied “that the strange white men should pass through his country without fear, that his warriors should accompany them as far as they wished to go; but,” he added, “do the strangers know that there is disorder in the country beyond?”

Mr. S. replied that they did, and were anxious to go, and return as soon as possible, on that account.

Hinza replied, “It is well; if there is danger, my warriors will let them know—­if it is necessary, they will fight for them—­if the enemy is too strong, the white men must return.”

Hinza then ordered some of his councilors to take charge of the presents, and inquired of Mr. S. how many warriors they wished to have, and when they wished to go.

The reply was, that fifty warriors would be sufficient, and that they wished to depart on the following morning.  “It is well,” replied Hinza; “fifty warriors are enough, for my men eat a great deal—­they shall be ready.”

The council then broke up, and the king, having shaken hands with our travelers, departed with his train:  toward the evening an old cow was sent to them as a present from his majesty.  The Hottentots soon cut it up and devoured it.  Every thing was now arranged for their immediate departure.