CHAPTER VII.
The wind continued fair, and the vessel rapidly approached the Cape.
Alexander, who had contracted a great friendship for Mr.Swinton, had made known to him the cause of his intended journey into the interior, and the latter volunteered, if his company would not be displeasing, to accompany Alexander on his tedious and somewhat perilous expedition.
Alexander gladly accepted the offer, and requested Mr.Swinton would put himself to no expense, as he had unlimited command of money from his grand-uncle, and Mr.Swinton's joining the caravan would make no difference in his arrangements.
After it had been agreed that they should travel together, the continued subject of discourse and discussion was the nature of the outfit, the number of wagons, their equipment, the stores, the number of horses and oxen which should he provided; and they were busy every day adding to their memoranda as to what it would be advisable to procure for their journey.
Mr.Fairburn often joined in the discussion, and gave his advice, but told them that, when they arrived at Cape Town, he might be more useful to them.

Alexander, who, as we have before observed, was a keen hunter, and very partial to horses and dogs, promised himself much pleasure in the chase of the wild animals on their journey, and congratulated himself upon being so well provided with guns and rifles, which he had brought with him, more with the idea that they might be required for self-defense than for sport.
At last, "Land, ho!" was cried out by the man who was at the mast-head in the morning watch, and soon afterward, the flat top of Table Mountain was distinctly visible from the deck.

The _Surprise_, running before a fresh breeze, soon neared the land, so that the objects on it might be perceived with a glass.

At noon they were well in for the bay, and before three o'clock the _Surprise_ was brought to an anchor between two other merchant vessels, which were filling up their home cargoes.
After a three months' voyage, passengers are rather anxious to get on shore; and therefore before night all were landed, and Alexander found himself comfortably domiciled in one of the best houses in Cape Town; for Mr.Fairburn had, during the passage, requested Alexander to take up his abode with him.
Tired with the excitement of the day, he was not sorry to go to bed early, and he did not forget to return his thanks to Him who had preserved him through the perils of the voyage.
The next morning Mr.Fairburn said to Alexander-- "Mr.Wilmot, I should recommend you for the first ten days to think nothing about your journey.

Amuse yourself with seeing the public gardens, and other things worthy of inspection; or, if it pleases you, you can make the ascent of Table Mountain with your friend Swinton.