in this
clandestine manner."

Hans, as usual, had nothing to say upon a subject of which he knew
nothing; and Swartboy, after making sure that no horses, guns, or other
property were missing, expressed the opinion that he was never so
mystified in his life.

Nothing was gone from the camp; and yet he was quite certain that any
one speaking a native African language understood by Congo, could not be
capable of acting honestly if an opportunity was allowed him for the
opposite.

Having allowed their horses an hour to graze, while they themselves
breakfasted upon buffalo veal, our adventurers broke up their bivouac,
and continued their march down the bank of the river.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

MACORA'S KRAAL.

After journeying about three hours, the young hunters came to a place
that gave unmistakable evidence of having been often visited by human
beings.

Small palm-trees had been cut down, the trunks taken away, and the tops
left on the ground. Elephants, giraffes, or other animals that feed on
foliage would have taken the tops of the trees, and, moreover, would not
have cut them down with hatchets, the marks of which were visible in the
stumps left standing. Half a mile farther on, and fields could be seen
in cultivation. They were evidently approaching a place inhabited by a
people possessing some intelligence.

"See!" exclaimed Arend, as they rode on, "there's a large body of men
coming towards us."

All turned to the direction in which Arend was gazing. They saw about
fifty people coming along the crest of a ridge, that trended toward the
north.

"Perhaps they mean mischief," said Hans. "What shall we do?"

"Ride on and meet them," exclaimed Hendrik. "If they are enemies it is
not our fault. We have not molested them."

As the strangers came near, the hunters recognised their late guest, who
was now mounted on an ox and riding in advance of his party. His
greeting, addressed to Groot Willem, was interpreted by Congo.

"I have invited you to come to my kraal," said he, "and to bring your
friends along with you. I left you early this morning, and have been to
my home to see that preparations should be made worthy of those who have
befriended Macora. Some of my people, the bravest and best amongst
them, are here to bid you welcome."

A procession was then formed, and all proceeded on to the African
village, which was but a short distance from the spot. On entering it,
a group of about a hund