ortar or cement, so that the stream,
instead of exercising its own sweet will by zig-zagging down the rock,
as it had done of yore, was wasted on the north-western veldt, where its
advent had probably been largely responsible for the origination of the
marsh, which had already given our friends such a world of trouble. The
wall of the dam, however, proved considerably stronger than Kenyon had
bargained for, so they finally bored a hole in it, and blew the whole
affair up with a couple of flasks of powder taken from the fallen
slavers.

When the smoke of the explosion cleared away, the released water could
be seen bounding over the rocks, and shooting down the narrow channel
with a wild, sweeping rush, effectually closing this method of ascending
the cliffs unless in abnormally dry seasons. A moment later and our
friends could see the stream filtering along its old course across the
veldt, looking like a mighty silver snake as it gleamed and twisted on
its tortuous way, reflecting at every turn the brilliancy of the lovely
crescent moon.

Regaining the edge of the kloof, our friends stepped into the cage, and
were soon hauled across the chasm by one of their men, who was already
quite expert in this singular method of semi-aerial procedure.

On examining the prisoners Kenyon was disgusted to find that they were
both stone dead, the cowardly blacks having killed them, bound as they
were, lest the slavers should get loose and do them an injury. This was
the more aggravating, as Kenyon had fairly counted upon forcing
information of some kind out of the men, and he was, besides, disposed
to think well of the big sentry who had hailed them in English.
However, the men were dead, and it was, therefore, useless regretting
them, but Kenyon inwardly registered a vow to get even with the rascal
who had committed such a brace of infernally cold-blooded murders should
he ever find him out. Then sternly ordering the men to shoulder their
loads, the party set out under the waning moon, directing their steps
downwards and towards the south-east.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

"JUST IN TIME."

For quite a quarter of a mile our friends found that the road provided
very rough travelling indeed. This was the more annoying, as the moon
was fast going down, and it was a matter of vital importance that the
little band should progress quickly and secure a strong position before
daylight revealed their movements to the enemy.

Their only di