presume that I must plead guilty also," replied Swinton, "in having
assisted to induce him; but you know a naturalist is so ardent in his
pursuit that he thinks of nothing else."

"I do not think that you have either of you much to answer for," replied
Alexander; "I was just as anxious to go as you were; and as far as I am
concerned, have not the slightest wish to turn back again, till we have
executed our proposed plans. We none of us undertook this journey with
the expectation of meeting with no difficulties or no privations; and I
fully anticipate more than we have yet encountered, or are encountering
now. If I get back on foot, and without a sole left to my shoe, I shall
be quite content; at the same time, I will not continue it if you both
wish to return."

"Indeed, my dear fellow, I have no wish but to go on; but I was afraid
that we were running you into dangers which we have no right to do."

"You have a right, allowing that I did not myself wish to proceed,"
replied Alexander. "You escorted me safe through the country to
ascertain a point in which you had not the slightest interest, and it
would indeed be rewarding you very ill, if I were now to refuse to
gratify you: but the fact is, I am gratifying myself at the same time."

"Well, I am very glad to hear you say so," replied the Major, "as it
makes my mind at ease; what time do you think it is, Swinton?"

"It is about three o'clock; we shall soon have daylight, and I hope with
daylight we shall have some sight to cheer us. We have traveled well,
and can not by my reckoning be far from the Val River. Since yesterday
morning we have made sixty miles or thereabouts; and if we have not
diverged from our course, the poor animals will soon be relieved."

They traveled on another weary hour, when Begum gave a cry, and started
off ahead of the wagons; the oxen raised their heads to the wind, and
those which were not in the yokes after a short while broke from the
keepers, and galloped off, followed by the horses, sheep, and dogs. The
oxen in the yokes also became quite unruly, trying to disengage
themselves from the traces.

"They have smelt the water; it is not far off, sir," said Bremen; "we
had better unyoke them all, and let them go."

"Yes, by all means," said Alexander.

So impatient were the poor beasts, that it was very difficult to
disengage them, and many broke loose before it could be effected; as
soon as they were freed, they followed their comp