the giraffe struggled wildly to release itself. Then
it remained quiet for a while, not as if it had given up the intention
to escape, but as if reflecting on some plan to free itself. Again it
would recommence its struggles, and again rest awhile, as though
gathering strength for a fresh effort. Gradually it grew resigned to
its position, and seemed to breath more tranquilly, while its exertions
were less frequent and more feeble. It had learnt that it could remain
in the presence of man without meeting death. It had become familiar
with his company, and conscious of its own inability to part from it,
while man opposed its efforts.

Night came down and found Willem still seated by the side of the
giraffe, with his arms around its neck. He had the satisfaction of
thinking that his companions would now be uneasy at his absence. He
felt sure that within a few hours Congo and Spoor'em would be upon his
track, with the others following; and, when all should arrive, the young
giraffe would be secured. The prospect of such a termination to his
adventure did much to make him disregard the agony he was enduring. He
soon discovered he was not to be left alone in his vigil; nor was his
right to the prize to be left undisputed.

His first visitors were hyenas; but their laughter--apparently put forth
at seeing him in his ludicrous position--did not induce him to abandon
it; and the fierce brutes circled around him, smiling and showing their
teeth to no purpose. They were too cowardly to attempt an attack; and
their efforts to frighten him were more amusing than otherwise.

Soon after sunset the night became very dark,--so dark that although the
hyenas approached within a few paces, nothing could be seen of them
except their shining eyes. It was just such a night as lions select for
going in search of prey,--so dark that the king of beasts can move about
unseen, and, while thus protected by invisibility, will pounce upon a
man with as much confidence as he will upon a springbok.

As Willem was trying to while away the time by hopeful thoughts, the air
was shaken around him, by a voice which he knew to be the roar of the
lion. One was abroad seeking blood.

The clouds that had been for some time rolling up from the south-west
became blacker at the instant, and seemed separated by streams of fire,
while the low murmurings of distant thunder could be heard far-off in
the sky. They were signs that could not be mistaken