the way,
and, abandoning the giraffe, have fled far from the spot. This was his
first instinct, but unfortunately he was unable to yield to it.
Prostrated, body and soul, by the electric fluid, that had struck the
earth within a few feet of him, for a time he was unable to stir.

The first distinct thought that came into his mind was astonishment at
finding the minute after that the claws of the lion were not buried in
his flesh! The blow that had stunned him was not from the paw of the
lion, but the lightning. It had saved his life, as the king of beasts,
scorched and terrified by the shock, had retreated on the same instant.

The storm soon passed over, and a small patch of clear sky appeared
opening up on the western horizon. It was soon after occupied by the
disk of a silvery moon, under whose soft light Willem continued his
vigil, without further molestation from either lion or hyenas.

The giraffe was still alive and lying quietly upon the ground; but, from
its long and laboured respiration, Willem began to fear that it might
die before he would have the chance to release it from the irksome
attitude in which he felt bound to retain it.

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR.

CHANCE BETTER THAN SKILL.

The camelopards followed by Hans, Hendrik, and Arend had continued up
the bank of the stream; and, being the main body of the herd, were
pursued without the hunters having noticed the defection of Willem.

With such noble game in view, and in hot pursuit of it, these three
youths were as much excited as Groot Willem himself. Full of ardour
they pressed on. Their horses were spurred to such a speed as soon
brought them close upon the heels of the flying game.

It was only then that Willem was observed to have parted from them. He
was seen half a mile off, and fast increasing the distance. He was
heading northward.

This discovery scarce caused them a thought. Each was too much
interested in his own chase to think of the others.

They soon closed in upon the giraffes, that had been driven into a sharp
bend of the river.

The hunted animals, on perceiving the obstruction, turned back, but
found their retreat cut off. The pursuers were coming on behind them.

Arend, who was to the right of the others, was just in time to prevent
the giraffes from escaping with dry hoofs, by riding rapidly in advance
of his companions.

The herd was again headed towards the river.

In forcing them round, Arend was placed wi