Swinton; "where can the Major be,
and the two Hottentots who were with him! Swanevelt is hurt and his
horse killed, that is evident. We had better call them off, and let the
buffaloes remain quiet, or escape as they please."

"There is the Major," said Alexander, "and the Hottentots too; they are
not hurt, don't you see them?--they were up the trees; thank God."

They now observed the Major run up to Swanevelt, and presently the two
Hottentots went in pursuit of the Major's horse. Shortly afterward,
Swanevelt, with the assistance of the Major, got upon his legs, and,
taking up his gun, walked slowly away.

"No great harm done, after all," said Alexander; "God be praised: but
here come the whole herd, Swinton."

"Let them go, my good fellow," replied Swinton, "we have had enough of
buffalo-hunting for the present."

The whole herd had now broken from the reeds about fifty paces from
where they were stationed, and with their tails raised, tossing with
their horns, and bellowing with rage and fear, darted out of the reeds,
dripping with slime and mud, and rushed off toward the forest. In a few
seconds they were out of sight.

"A good riddance," said Swinton; "I hope the Major is now satisfied with
buffalo-hunting."

"I am, at all events," replied Alexander. "I feel very sore and stiff.
What a narrow escape that Bushman had."

"Yes, he had indeed; but, Alexander, your horse is not well: he can
hardly breathe. You had better dismount."

Alexander did so, and unloosed his girths. Bremen got off his horse,
and, offering it to Alexander, took the bridle of the other and examined
him.

"He has his ribs broken, sir," said the Hottentot,--"two of them, if not
more."

"No wonder, poor fellow; lead him gently, Bremen. Oh, here comes the
Major. Now we shall know what has occurred; and there is Swanevelt and
the two men."

"Well, Major, pray tell us your adventures, for you have frightened us
dreadfully."

"Not half so much as I have been frightened myself," replied the Major;
"we have all had a narrow escape. I can assure you, and Swanevelt's
horse is dead."

"Is Swanevelt hurt?"

"No, he was most miraculously preserved; the horn of the buffalo has
grazed the whole length of the body, and yet not injured him. But let us
go to the caravan and have something to drink, and then I will tell you
all about it--I am quite done up, and my tongue cleaves to the roof of
my mouth."

As soon as they had arrived at the car