e waggons for shelter.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

They had scarcely gained the waggons before the thunder and lightning
became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening. It appeared as if
they were in the very centre of the contending elements, and the wind
rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the
flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened. The lightning was so vivid,
that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to
the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific
gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused
every article in the waggons, and the waggons themselves, to vibrate
from the concussion. A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan,
was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash. The
Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the
waggons.

The Hottentots had also begun to move, but had not yet recovered their
senses--indeed, they were again stupified by the clamour of the
elements. The storm lasted about an hour, and then as suddenly it
cleared up again; the stars again made their appearance in the sky
above, and the red tinge of the horizon announced the approach of
daylight. When the storm ceased, our travellers, who had not taken off
their clothes, came out from their shelter, and met each other by the
side of the extinguished fire.

"Well," said Alexander, "I have been made wise on two points this night;
I now know what an African storm is, and also the roar of an African
lion. Have you heard if there is any mischief done, Bremen?" continued
Alexander to the Hottentot, who stood by.

"No, sir; but I am afraid it will take us a long while to collect the
cattle; they will be dispersed in all directions, and we may have lost
some of them. It will soon be daylight, and then we must set off after
them."

"Are those fellows quite sober now?"

"Yes, sir," replied Bremen, laughing; "water has washed all the liquor
out of them."

"Well, you may tell them, as a punishment, I shall stop their tobacco
for a week."

"Better not now, sir," said Bremen, thoughtfully; "the men don't like to
go further up the country, and they may be troublesome."

"I think so too," said Swinton; "you must recollect that the cask was
running out, and the temptation was too strong. I should overlook it
this time. Give them a severe reprimand, and let them off."

"I believe it will be t