he
contrary he seemed rather pleased at the turn events had taken. This,
however, did not prevent the Africans from tying him like the others.

The rage of Hendrik, on awaking from a brief period of stupor and
finding himself fast bound, would be difficult to describe. There can
be no greater agony to a brave and sensitive man than to find himself
helpless for revenge after having undergone a deep humiliation.

Groot Willem, no less brave but of a different temperament, was more
resigned to the indignity they were enduring. His anger had been
aroused by the attempt to take from him a thing he greatly prized,--his
gun. He had been defeated in trying to retain it; but now that it was
gone, and along with it his liberty, he determined to exert some degree
of philosophy and patiently wait for what should happen next.

Congo, who had appeared indifferent to seeing his masters bound,--in
fact rather pleased at it,--now looked sad enough while submitting to
similar treatment. His fellow-captives could have no sympathy, since
his behaviour had not failed to beget suspicions of his ingratitude.

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

IN THONGS.

The prisoners were compelled to remain inactive spectators of a division
of their property, most of which was appropriated by the chief himself,
as a sort of compensation for the loss of his horses, and the damage his
own person had sustained in the capturing of one of his prisoners. For,
before securing Groot Willem, he had been sent to the earth under a blow
from that sturdy hunter's roer.

Beyond this present humiliation, the hunters had placed themselves under
another and more serious obligation,--that of satisfying a desire for
revenge.

"It is no use, baas Willem," said the Kaffir, who had managed to get
close beside his master. "We'll be killed for showing fight."

Congo next expressed his opinion that, had no resistance been offered to
the chief, an opportunity might have been afforded them for returning to
Macora. He was quite positive now that no chance for this would be
allowed, not even to himself, who had only been pretending to be a
traitor for the sake of gaining favour, and thus being enabled to assist
them, his young masters.

"Do you think they really intend to kill us, Congo?" asked Willem.

"Yaas, baas. Sure they intend it," answered the Kaffir. "They 'fraid
now to let us go."

"But, if they intend killing us, why do they not do so at once?"
inquired Hend