BIO REACH TABLE BAY. 



which ran for some distance along the coast, and turned 

 out into the ocean beyond. 



We soon had a S.E. breeze, set our studding sails, and 

 in seven days dropped our anchor in Table Bay; having 

 completed the voyage in less than one-third of the time 

 that it had taken me to do half the distance on the occasion 

 of my upward journey. 



My first experiences of what is called civilization were 

 anything but agreeable. During my stay at Cape Town, 

 while waiting the arrival of a ship to convey me to Eng- 

 land, I frequently rode out in the country about Winberg 

 and Rondebosh, and had to pass a turnpike on the road, 

 kept by a gobdnatured old man who responded to the 

 name of Peter. We used to give this old fellow a shilling 

 or two, and let him keep the account of the number of 

 times we rode through. He never lost by this arrange- 

 ment, as I frequently gave him half-a-crown, which 

 would have allowed me to pass nearly twenty times. It so 

 happened, either from thoughtlessness or from having 

 been spoilt by the wilds of Natal, where a stick of tobacco 

 is wealth enough for a long journey, that I rode out one 

 day without any money in my pocket. I discovered its 

 absence when about a couple of miles from home; but 

 knowing that I had a good balance to my credit at the 

 turnpike, I did not trouble myself to return. Cantering 

 on, I passed the gate without a thought, calling out as I 

 went through, " All right, Peter ! " and stooping down to 

 show him who I was. I did not see Peter inside, but 

 observed a stranger man come out as I was passing. I 

 paid several p. p. c. visits in the country, and returned 



