mparatively
rare.

Some days had passed since Rupert and Crawford caught sight of the
strange natives, on their visit to the hippopotamus pond, and they had
ceased to think about the subject. They were indeed fully convinced
that none of the party of Zulus who had threatened to attack them
remained.

Mangaleesu, they considered, might without risk take his departure; but
he expressed no wish to go, and Mrs Broderick was anxious to keep him,
that he might give such particulars as he possessed with regard to
Lionel. It has been said that the inhabitants of the farm depended
greatly on the chase for their supply of meat, and as no hunters had
gone out for several days, their stock had run short.

Rupert was always ready for a hunting expedition, and Crawford, who had
come out to Africa under the belief that the chase would form one of his
chief occupations, was eager to engage in the sport.

"I don't think there can be any objection to our going away for a few
hours," said Rupert. "I can leave Percy in charge during our absence,
as he will have nothing to do except to see that the men keep at their
work. You and I, with our two Kaffir guides, will start to-morrow
morning, and I hope that we shall bring back meat enough to supply us
until my father returns."

Crawford eagerly agreed to the proposal, and Percy was pleased at the
thought of being left in sole charge, although it was to be but a few
hours.

"Try and not be absent longer than you can help," said Mrs Broderick,
as she wished her son good-night--for the party were to start the next
morning. "Although I apprehend no danger, we cannot tell what may
occur."

"There is nothing to fear," answered Rupert, "and meat we must have,
that's very certain. My father would not object to my going under the
circumstances; for if I sent the Kaffirs alone, they are such bad shots
that they may bring back nothing, though they are very useful in finding
the game and helping me to kill it."

Before daybreak Rupert and Crawford were in their saddles, and Percy was
up to see them off, as were his sisters, who had insisted on rising to
give them breakfast before starting, a delicate attention which Crawford
duly appreciated.

Followed by two Zulus, also well mounted, they directed their course to
the lower ground in the south-west, where game most abounded. The air
was pure and fresh when they started, coming from the hills, and both
young men felt in the highest pos