the camp was to be
fixed. Here a fire was immediately lighted to dry their clothes and to
cook some provisions, while they sat close to it, wrapped up in
blankets. They both speedily recovered, the proof of which was that
they ate heartily of the viands prepared for them.

"It's the last time I'll endeavour to cross a river at the tail of a
horse, when crocodiles are likely to be swimming about," exclaimed
Denis. "I'm mighty glad that you escaped from the brute, Lionel; had
you been swimming as I was, it would have had you to a certainty."

The circumstance which had occurred tended greatly to draw the lads
together, while Percy rose much in the estimation of all his companions.

"I only wish that I could see a hungry lion rush out on you, or a party
of Zulus coming out of a kraal to cut off your head; I'd show both the
one and the other what I could do with my rifle," exclaimed Lionel.
"I'd fight until I was killed, and should not care if you made your
escape."

"Thank you!" answered Percy. "I hope we shall not come to that
extremity, but I am very sure that you will do your best to help me out
of any danger I happen to get into."

The night passed with the usual chorus from hyenas and jackals. At dawn
the travellers were on the move. For a considerable distance few
inhabitants were met with, the king not approving of his subjects living
near the border, lest, when he should require them, they should get
across it, and escape from his paternal care.

After moving on for some days, another steep hill rose before them.
They encamped at the foot, that the oxen might the better be able to
drag up the waggon in the morning. The ascent was no easy one, and the
Hottentots had to exert their arms and voices.

"I hope the descent will not be so difficult, or the waggon may chance
to be capsized," said Crawford, as he and Denis were following behind,
ready to put big stones under the wheels, and prevent the vehicle
slipping back.

"No fear of that, for we shall not have to descend at all," answered
Denis.

He was right. On the summit being reached, the travellers found
themselves on the edge of a vast plateau, extending to the north and
south. Some parts were covered with fine timber trees, others with
scattered mimosa bushes, and here and there a hillock rose above the
plain. Deer of various species were seen bounding along in unrestrained
freedom, chiefly small animals; now and then a herd of pallah or koo