When Major Flinders heard of the misfortunes that had befallen Mr Weston he offered to assist him in any way that lay in his power--either by using his influence with the Governor to obtain for him some suitable appointment in Cape Colony, or by rendering him pecuniary aid. At the same time the Major pressed his friend to join him in farming at Rondebosch, rather than seek government employment, or continue his seafaring life. Mrs Flinders warmly seconded her husband's proposition, pointing out that Rustenburg House was quite big enough to accommodate the two families, and declaring--with most unmistakable sincerity--how much it would please her to have Gracie Weston as a companion for her own girls, Ella and Maud. "They can be educated together, Mr Weston," said the good lady, "and that, you know, will be a mutual advantage." After a little consideration Weston thankfully accepted this offer, and decided to settle down at the Cape, and join his fortunes to those of his quondam school-fellow. The _Sea-mew_ was insured for 1500 pounds (about one-third her value) and Mr Weston had 500 pounds in his London banker's hands; and the Major introduced him to a lawyer, who consented to advance him 250 pounds on his policy, and promised to take the necessary steps to secure the whole sum for which the ill-fated barque had been insured. So Mr Weston did not come into the "firm" quite empty-handed. "By the way, my dear Mat," said Mr Weston as he proceeded to take the lock of one of the rifles to pieces, "we have been so engaged with lawyer Rutherhorn that we have forgotten all about that trip up country you were talking of the week before last. Suppose you tell us about it." "Oh, I had not forgotten it," rejoined the Major; "indeed Kate and I were going over the `pros and cons' this morning, and we came to the conclusion that--" "What?" cried Tom eagerly, laying down the barrel he was cleaning. "That Rugby hadn't cured our son and heir of his impatience and impetuosity," laughed Mrs Flinders, rising from her seat. "Come along, girls, we will leave the gentlemen to talk over this important project by themselves. There are your saddle-bags, Tom; but if your father takes you with him, you must have a new pair; these have seen their best days." "Now, Maurice," said Major Flinders as soon as the ladies had disappeared into the house, "I will give you an idea of my plans, and see what you think of them. To begin with, I must tell you that an old brother officer of mine, Donald Jamieson, has gone in for breeding horses at his farm up country, 180 miles north-east of Mossel Bay. He has been exceptionally lucky, for it so happens that the district in which he has settled is wonderfully free from the fatal `horse-sickness;' and that pest of the country the `tsetse' is almost unknown there." "What is the `tsetse,' Major Flinders?" inquired George Weston, who was a lad with a thirst for knowledge of any description.