And after some further discussion, in which Mrs Flinders was invited to take part, the Major's proposals were carried "nem con." CHAPTER SEVEN. THE START FROM MOSSEL BAY--ON "TREK"--OUTSPANNED--ROUND THE CAMP FIRE. "The carts are all corrict, sorr, and ready for the line of march," reported Mr Patrick Keown, whilom a troop sergeant-major in the "Cape Mounted Riflemen," but now his former captain's major-domo, master-of-the-horse, and general factotum. "And, sorr," he went on, bringing his dexter hand down from the salute, and assuming a less poker-like attitude and a more confidential manner, "the mules we've hired from the postmaster here, seem loikely to suit us--that's to say, fairly well. They're good animals, sorr, barrin' the off-leader of the second team, and he's a terrible kicker, and did his best to break Black William's leg just now. And thin, sorr, there is another that's a bit contrary in harness--but shure now, that's no matther; we'll soon break the baste in! I'll lay me quarter's pinsion that they'll have larned betther manners before we outspan this evening." "No doubt of it, Patrick," rejoined Major Flinders, who was standing on the stoep of the hotel, with his long bamboo whip in hand, listening to the ex-sergeant's report. "No doubt of it," said he as soon as he could edge in a word; "we shall manage them all right! But it's quite time we were on the road, for we ought to cover forty miles before sundown. Now then, Maurice! Come along, my boys; hurry up!" The Major and his party had landed the previous morning at Mossel Bay, with all their goods and chattels; and now in front of a long one-storied building, dignified by the name of "Moorhead's Royal Star and Garter Hotel," two well-built white canvas tilted Cape-carts, fresh from the hands of Mr Muter of Berge Street, were drawn up, each being _horsed_ by a team of six mules hired from the postmaster of the district. One cart was packed with a variety of useful articles--from a saddle to a screw-driver--ordered by Captain Jamieson from the Cape Town storekeepers; whilst in the other cart the Major and his companions were to travel. Under each cart was slung a strong "witte els" [a soft, tough wood] box, containing axes, hammers, saws, and other tools, a supply of nails and screws, straps and buckles, a small coil of "half-inch," and some stout cord and twine; so that in the event of a break-down, repairs might be executed on the spot Major Flinders and his faithful henchman Patrick Keown had travelled too much in South Africa to think of starting on a long journey without being prepared for emergencies.