ir only wealth,--and perhaps also of their lives.

While Willem and his companions were regretting the misfortunes they had
been the means of bringing upon their protector, the chief's greatest
trouble appeared to be his disappointment in having failed to assist
them.

The last things taken over the river were the bodies of the Makololo
killed in the battle; and these were buried during the night.

On the contrary, the bodies of the Matabili were left where they had
fallen, to be stripped of their flesh by the beasts of prey.

To give the hunters some idea of the character and customs of his
enemies, Macora informed them that none of the Matabili ever buried
their dead, not even their own kindred; but that sons will drag the
bodies of their parents out from their village into the open plain, and
there leave them to the tender mercies of the hyenas and vultures.

During the night, the roars, growls, and other evidences of brutish
strife, heard across the river, convinced the Makololo guard left there,
that by morning only the bones of their slain enemies would be found
upon the field of battle. This was music to the ears of the Makololo,
while the thought of their having defeated the renowned warriors of
Moselekatse almost compensated them for the loss of their homes.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

TYRANNY AND LOYALTY.

Before a start could be made the next morning, Moselekatse's braves were
seen assembling in large force on the opposite bank of the river. As we
have said, the women, children, and cattle had been sent forward with
all possible haste, while most of the men remained to check the advance
of the enemy, and, if possible, cover the retreat for another day.

The Bushman Swartboy had been put in charge of several oxen laden with
ivory,--a responsible trust, that partly reconciled him to the annoyance
of leaving his white masters behind, and with no one to look after them
but Congo, who, as he asserted, was always leading them into trouble.

On leaving home, the young hunters had taken the precaution to bring
with them several guns, besides those used in the chase; and now the
reserve pieces were brought out and made ready for use. By early
daybreak the Matabili commenced crossing. Urged by the fear of the
tyrant's displeasure, in case their cowardice being reported to him,
they advanced recklessly into the stream.

The first five or six were shot down. This did not check the ardour of
the others, wh