Alexander and the Major, replied that it was very true that the army of Quetoo was to the northward; but that the report of the defeat of the Caffres and of the army advancing was not confirmed.  It was only a rumor, and might all be false; that even if true, it did not follow they were advancing in the direction in which they themselves were about to proceed; that it would be sufficient time for them to retreat when they found out what were the real facts, which would be the case in a few days at the furthest.  But the Hottentots would not listen to any thing that he said; they declared that they would proceed no further.

By this time all the other Hottentots had joined the first who came up to our travelers, and made the same demand, stating their determination not to proceed a mile further.  Only Bremen and Swanevelt opposed the rest, and declared that they would follow their masters wherever they chose to lead them.  Alexander now sent for the interpreter and the chief of the Caffre warriors, lent him by Hinza, and desired the interpreter to ask the Caffre whether he and his band would follow them.  The Caffre answered that they would; Hinza had given them in charge, and they could not return and say that they had left them because there was an enemy at hand.  Hinza would kill them all if they did; they must bring back the travelers safe, or lose their lives in their defense.

“Well, then,” said the Major, “now we can do without these cowardly fellows, who are no use to us but to eat and drink; so now let us discharge them at once, all but Bremen and Swanevelt.”

“I agree with you, Major,” said Alexander; “what do you think, Swinton?”

“Yes, let us discharge them, for then they will be in a precious dilemma.  We will discharge them without arms, and desire them to go home; that they dare not do, so they will remain.  But let us first secure their muskets, which lie round their fire, before we dismiss them; or they will not, perhaps, surrender them, and we may be in an awkward position.  I will slip away, and while I am away, do you keep them in talk until I return, which I shall not do until I have locked up all the guns in the store-wagon.”

As Swinton rose, the Major addressed the Hottentots.  “Now, my lads,” said he, “here are Bremen and Swanevelt who consent to follow us; all the Caffre warriors agree to follow us; and here are about twenty of you who refuse.  Now I can not think that you will leave us; you know that we have treated you well, and have given you plenty of tobacco; you know that you will be punished as soon as you return to the Cape.  Why then are you so foolish?  Now look you:  I am sure that upon reflection you will think better of it.  Let me understand clearly your reasons for not proceeding with us; I wish to hear them again, and let each man speak for himself.”

The Hottentots immediately began to state over again their reasons for not going on; and thus the Major, who made each give his reason separately, gained their attention, and the time which was required.  Before they all had spoken, Swinton came back and took his seat by the fire.