om the two horses could belong, they returned to the
camp-fire; both under the impression that they had destroyed enough of
animal life for that night.

Early the next morning they left the pool, and, continuing down stream,
within two hours reached the river they had been so long in search of.
Here they determined to stop until the next day, and their horses were
again tethered out; and, as they were somewhat wearied, they lay down to
take repose under the shade of a mokhala tree. From this they were
startled by the loud barking of Spoor'em and the calls of Congo.

Springing to their feet they found themselves surrounded by a party of
about forty Africans, some armed with spears, while others carried bows
and arrows.

From the hostile attitude of the new-comers the hunters saw that they
meant mischief; and, seizing their guns, they determined to defend
themselves to the last.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

CAPTURED.

Pushing in front of Groot Willem, Congo entreated him not to make
resistance; and so strong seemed his desire that they should surrender
without making an effort to maintain their freedom, that he caught hold
of the gun which Hendrik had already brought to his shoulder.

"Poison! arrows and spears all poison!" shouted the Kaffir, who appeared
well-nigh scared out of his senses.

Both Willem and Hendrik had heard, seen, and read enough of the African
tribes who use poisoned spears and darts, to feel something of Congo's
alarm.

They were not cowards, but they saw before them several men carrying
weapons more deadly at short distance than their own fire-arms. Only
one drop of blood had to be drawn by the point of one of their javelins,
to cause certain death accompanied by horrible agonies!

They could not expect to conquer thirty or forty men, without receiving
a scratch or two in the encounter; and knowing this, they took Congo's
advice and surrendered.

When the Kaffir saw that the capture of himself and his masters had been
effected without a battle, he recovered his self-possession, and
demanded of the natives the cause of their strange conduct.

An individual then stepped forward who appeared to have some influence
over the others; and by his eloquence Congo became a little wiser, and a
great deal more alarmed.

The African spoke in a language which only the Kaffir understood. He
stated that he had lost two horses,--both of which had been killed at a
vley where they had gone to drink. A