urney.

For all that, without ropes or lines to lead it, there might be
difficulty enough. It might take a notion to resist, or get clear out
of their clutches.

"I must have a line of some kind," said Willem, "even if I have to cut a
thong from the hide of one of your horses. I have been standing, or
rather sitting, sentry over this creature too long, and have travelled
too far for the sake of finding it, to allow any chance of its escaping
now. It is but half what we want; and if any of you had been worthy the
name of hunter, you would have taken the other half."

A few hundred yards from the spot grew a copse of young trees,--slender
saplings they were, forming a miniature forest, such as one would like
to see when in search of a fishing-rod.

Going to this grove, Willem selected out of it two long poles, each
having a fork at the end.

One of these was placed on each side of the captive giraffe, in such a
manner that the forked ends embraced its neck, and when so tied, by
twisting the twigs together, formed a sort of neck halter.

By this means the creature could be led along, one going on each side of
it.

Arend grasped the end of one of the poles and Hendrik the other.

So long had the young camelopard been kept in a prostrate position, that
it was with some difficulty it managed to get to its feet; and, after
doing so, its efforts to escape were feeble, and easily defeated.

At each attempt to turn to one side, its head was instantly hauled to
the other, and it soon discovered that it was no less a captive on its
feet than when fast confined in the recumbent attitude.

Finding its struggles ineffectual, it soon discontinued them, and
resigned itself to the will of its captors.

Mounting their horses, Arend and Hendrik held the poles by which the
giraffe was to be guided, while Willem and Congo walked on behind. In
this manner the captive was conducted towards the camp.

More than once during their journey Willem reiterated the reproach
already made to his companions. If they had only shown as much energy
and determination as he had done, they might now have been ready to take
the road for Graaf Reinet, with a triumphant prospect before them.

"I would have followed this giraffe," said he, "until my horse dropped
dead, and then I would have followed it on foot until it became mine. I
had determined not to be defeated and survive the defeat. Ah! had any
of you three shown a particle of the sam