MORE “TIGHTLY-ENCASEI) SMALL BOYS.” 
211 
ing all of our French punch on board ship, would en- 
counter us on shore and dog our steps to prevent our 
communicating too freely with the country-people. Let 
me recall one of these walks: — 
It was upon a clear and cool morning, that ushered 
in a warm day; and the hour was sunrise. Lawton, 
our chief engineer, Bridleman, one of the nomadics, 
and myself, stepped into the dingy and pulled for the 
upper landing upon the edge of Si-mo-da. The reader 
probably remembers the word “dingy.” It is the name of 
a boat, — just such another small boat, pulled by two other 
similarly-encased small boys, as earried old bust-proof, 
his master, and myself on shore at Simon’s Town to 
frighten Hottentot women and startle catbirds. In the 
present case we were pulling leisurely over smooth water, 
however, and the trousers “held their own” bravely. 
We were armed for a long tramp, — very large walking- 
sticks, heavy expedition-boots, &c. &c. ; and, in addition, 
we carried concealed revolvers for defence, and our 
watches, to excite curiosity in the country-people. 
Finally, we had a very poor idea of where we were going 
or what we were going to do. 
“Let’s just start directly back into the country,” said 
Lawton, “walk right straight ahead until twelve o’clock, 
then eat our lunch alongside of some romantic stream, 
throw the crumbs to the fish, and return by a new road. 
If we do lose our way and have to sleep among the Ja- 
nanese, why, we’ll at any rate do what no untied foreigner 
has done for centuries.” 
“I think I’d rather sleep in my bunk,” I said, “unless, 
