al of the bribe, proved to
the young hunters, that Macora had within him the elements of a noble
nature.

Sindo, accompanied by his family, immediately made departure from the
place, going off to seek a home among kindred tribes, where his ambition
would, no doubt, be exercised with greater caution.

During the evening, Macora provided a varied entertainment for his
guests. It included a grand feast, with songs and dancing, the latter
done to the sounds of the tom-tom drum, and one-stringed African fiddle.

All retired for the night with the understanding that the hunters should
the next day be conducted to a place where hippopotami were plentiful.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

SPYING OUT THE LAND.

Early next morning, after the hunters had reciprocated Macora's
hospitality by giving him the best breakfast they were capable of
cooking, they started off on their search for sea-cows. Macora,
accompanied by four attendants, acted as guide, while fifty others were
to follow, to assist in the chase. The pack-horses and all other
property were taken along, as they did not intend to return to the
kraal, although the chief earnestly requested them to remain and make
his village their home so long as they remained in the neighbourhood.

For more than a mile their way led through small plantations of maize,
owned by Macora's subjects, and cultivated by the women and younger
people of the tribe.

Our adventurers had seen many kraals of Bushmen, also of Bechuana and
Kaffir tribes, and were surprised to observe such evidences of
civilisation so far removed from the teachings and example of the Cape
Colonists.

On their way down the river, buffaloes were observed in small droves, as
also herds of koodoos and zebras. They had reached a land that gave
good promise of the very adventures they were in search of.

About five miles from the village they came upon a small open space
thickly covered with grass. Here Macora suggested that they should make
their hunting camp, as the thick growth of timber seen farther down the
river was the resort of every species of game to be found for many miles
around.

Macora's suggestion was adopted; and his followers soon constructed a
stockade enclosure or kraal, to protect the camp. While this was being
done the young hunters were not idle.

On the open plain beyond some antelopes were seen grazing, and Hendrik
and Arend went after them for the purpose of providing Macora's people
with f