s animal, and prevented him
from running, and there it stood to be fired at. The female elephant,
which was in the jungle, witnessing the distress of its mate, regardless
of her own danger, immediately rushed out to his assistance, chasing
away the hunters, and walking round and round her mate, constantly
returning to his side, and caressing him. When the male attempted to
walk, she had the sagacity to place her flank against the wounded side,
so as to support him, and help him along. At last the female received a
severe wound, and staggered into the bush, where she fell; and the male
was soon after laid prostrate by the side of the poor soldier whom he
had killed."

"There is something very touching in that last portion of your story,
Swinton," observed Alexander; "it really makes one feel a sort of
respect for such intelligent and reasoning animals."

"I think the first portion of the story ought to teach you to respect
them also," said the Major. "Seriously, however, I quite agree with
you; their sagacity, as my Indian experience has taught me, is
wonderful;--but here comes supper, and I am not sorry for it."

"Nor I," replied Alexander. "To-morrow we shall be at the missionary
station, if the guides are correct. I am very anxious to get there, I
must say. Does not the chief of the Amakosa tribe live close to the
Mission-house,--Hinza, as they call him?"

"Yes," replied Swinton, "he does, and we must have a present ready for
him, for I think it would be advisable to ask an escort of his warriors
to go with us after we leave the Mission."

"Yes, it will be quite as well," replied the Major, "and then we shall
have some elephant-hunting; but Bremen tells me that there are plenty of
hippopotami in the river there, close to the Mission."

"Water-elephants," replied Swinton; "I suppose you will not leave them
alone?"

"Certainly not, if our commander-in-chief will allow us to stop."

"I think your commander-in-chief," replied Wilmot, "is just as anxious
to have a day's sport with them as you are, Major; so you will certainly
have his permission."

"I think we ought to put Omrah on a horse. He is a nice light weight
for a spare horse, if required."

"Not a bad idea," replied Alexander. "What a tiger he would make for a
cab in the park!"

"More like a monkey," replied the Major; "but it is time to go to bed;
so, good-night."

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

The caravan proceeded on the following morning, and