Shortly after break of day, Bremen came to them, stating that he found the wagons could proceed no further, as he had walked on, and discovered that a mile before them there was a ravine so deep that it would be difficult for the cattle to go down, and for the wagons impossible; that at a distance of three miles below he could see the river, which was also so embedded in rocks, as to be impassable by the wagons.

The Major immediately went with Bremen, to satisfy himself of the truth of this, and returned, stating that further progress with wagons was impossible.

“Well, then, we must now hold a council,” said Swinton.  “Of course, proceed you will, Wilmot, that is decided; the only question is, as we must now proceed on horseback, what force you will take with you, and what shall be left in charge of the wagons?”

“I think we can trust the Caffres, do not you?”

“Yes, I do; but I wish from my heart that the Hottentots had not rebelled; for although in some respects cowardly fellows, yet with their muskets they are brave, and their muskets keep the natives in order.”

“To the Caffres, the contents of the wagons would prove a temptation; but these are not temptations to the Hottentots, whose object is to get back safe, and receive their wages.  Thus we play them off against each other.”

“Here are all the Hottentots coming up to us,” said the Major; “I hope it is to make submission; it is very desirable that they should do so before they know that the wagons proceed no further.”

The surmise of the Major was correct:  the Hottentots had again canvassed the matter over, and, perceiving the helplessness of their position, had come in a body to beg forgiveness, and to offer to accompany our travelers wherever they pleased to take them.

It was a long while before Alexander would consent to receive them again, and not until they had made promise upon promise, that he seemed at last to be mollified.  Swinton then interceded for them, and at last Alexander consented, upon their future good behavior, to overlook their conduct.  This matter having been satisfactorily arranged, the former question was resumed.

“One of you, I fear, must remain with the wagons,” observed Alexander; “or both of you, if you please.  I have no right to ask you to go upon any wild-goose chase, and run into danger for nothing.”

“That one should remain with the wagons will be necessary,” said Swinton; “and I think that the Major, if he does not object, is the proper person.  The party who are left must provide themselves with food by their guns; and it will require more military tact than I possess to arrange that and to defend the wagons.  I will accompany you, Wilmot, as I can speak better Dutch, and the interpreter will not get on well without me.”

“Will you have the kindness to take charge of the wagons, Major, during our absence?”

“I think, perhaps, it will be as well; although I had rather have gone with you,” replied the Major.  “I propose that you take thirty of the Caffres, Bremen, and eight Hottentots with you; leave me Swanevelt and the other Hottentots.”