scarce get back to the camp before nightfall, and I shall commence
returning now."

"All right," answered Willem. "I can't blame you. You are free to do
as you please; but I shall go on. I need not expect others to act as
foolishly as myself. This is my own affair, and you as well as Congo
had better turn back. Leave me the dog, and I can track up the giraffe
without you."

"No! no!! baas Willem," exclaimed the Kaffir. "I go with you and
Spoor'em. We no leave you."

Willem, Congo, and the dog moved on, leaving Hendrik gazing after them.

He remained on the spot where he had pulled up his horse. "Now this is
interesting," muttered the young cornet, as he saw them go off upon the
spoor. "I have been acting without motives,--acting like a fool ever
since we have been out on this expedition. Circumstances have driven me
to it and will do so again. Yes. I must follow Willem. Why should I
desert him when that poor Kaffir remains true? If his friendship worth
more than mine?"

Spurring his horse into a gallop, Hendrik was soon once more by the side
of his forsaken companion.

Willem had a strong suspicion that he was himself acting without reason,
in seeking for an object he could hardly expect to find. This sage
reflection did not prevent him from continuing the search. Half
distracted by the loss of the camelopard, he was scarce capable of
knowing whether he now acted sensibly, or like a fool!

To all appearance Hendrik had only followed him for the purpose of
prevailing upon him to return.

Every argument that could be advanced against their proceeding farther
was used by the young cornet,--all to no purpose. Willem was determined
to proceed, and persisted in his determination.

Evening approached, and still was he unwilling to give up the search.

They could not return that night, for they were now nearly a day's
journey from the camp.

"Willem is mad,--hopelessly mad," thought Hendrik, "and I must not leave
him alone."

They journey on together, and in silence, Hendrik fast approaching that
state of mind in which he had just pronounced Willem to be.

But their journey was approaching its termination. It was nearer than
either of them expected to a successful issue.

A clump of trees was seen rising up over the plain. They were willows,
and indicated the proximity of water.

Towards these the tracks appeared to lead in a line almost direct. The
giraffe, guided by its instinct, had sc