an 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 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 be indeed 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 travelled well,
and cannot by my reckoning be far from the Vaal 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 travelled on another weary hour, when Begum gave a cry, and started
off ahead of the waggons; the oxen raised their heads to the wind, and
those which were not in the yokes after a short while broke away 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 companions at the same
rapid pace.

"At all events, we shall know where to find them," said the Major,
laughing: "well, I really so felt for the poor animals that I am as
happy as if I was as thirsty as they are, and was now quenching my
thirst. It's almost daylight."

As the day dawned, they continued to advance in the direction that the
animals had taken, and they then distinguished the trees that bordered
the river, which was about two miles distant. As soon as it was broad
daylight, they perceived that the whole landscape had changed in
appearan