nerally seen in small herds. Probably this one
and its calf had been separated from their companions, as no others had
been taken. It is one of the swiftest quadrupeds of Africa, indeed its
speed is almost equal to that of the horse. Herds of them are generally
found in districts devoid of water, as they can go a long time without
drinking, having receptacles in their inside somewhat like those of a
camel, though much smaller, for retaining fluid.

As soon as the milk was brought David tried to feed the little creature
with a spoon instead of the bottle, and after a few attempts it
willingly swallowed the milk. He then applied the bottle to its mouth,
and as soon as it found out its contents it sucked it eagerly; he had
hopes, therefore, of being able to bring it up. Kate and Bella,
summoned by the boys, now came in to inspect their new pet. It allowed
Bella to stroke it and pet it without evincing any fear, and when she
fastened a handkerchief round its neck it followed her willingly.

"What a dear little creature!" she exclaimed. "We must give it a name,
though. I do not think gemsbok is pretty. I like oryx better."

"I am afraid, however, when he gets his horns he will prove rather a
dangerous companion," observed David, looking at the head of the larger
animal which lay on the ground outside the hut. "It will fearlessly
encounter the most savage animals of the desert, and instances have
occurred where it has succeeded in killing even a lion or tiger which
had incautiously sprung on its dagger-like weapon of defence."

"Oh, it will be a long time before those grow!" said Leo. "We can pad
them, or cut off their tips, and then it can hurt no one, even in play."

Stanley and the two black boys were out hunting, and in the evening they
appeared, the boys carrying slung on two poles an animal which we saw at
once was alive.

"Why, it is a little horse!" cried Leo, running down the hill. "The
zebra we have been so longing for!" exclaimed Natty.

They soon arrived at the encampment, Stanley highly delighted with his
prize. It was curious that the two animals they had been so long
wishing for should have been taken on the same day.

"He has given us a great deal of trouble," said Stanley, as the little
creature was brought up to be inspected by the girls and I. "I doubt if
we shall ever make him reconciled to captivity. He struggled and kicked
so much that we had great difficulty in getting hold of him,