noon
`` Not a bad idea , '' replied Alexander . `` What a tiger he would make for a cab in the park ! '' `` More like a monkey , '' replied the Major ; `` but it is time to go to bed ; so , good-night . '' The caravan proceeded on the following morning , and by noon they arrived at the Mission station of Butterworth , which was about one hundred and forty miles from the colonial boundaries . This station had only been settled about three years , but even in that short time it wore an air of civilization strongly contrasted with the savage country around it . The Mission-house was little better than a large cottage , it is true , and the church a sort of barn ; but it was surrounded by neat Caffre huts and gardens full of produce . On the arrival of the caravan , Mr. S. , the missionary , came out to meet the travelers , and to welcome them .