s certain, he was utterly
unable to travel. I was unwilling even to go out of sight of the hut,
lest some wild beast might in the meantime come near it. I must do so,
however, before long, I saw; for our slender stock of water was already
almost exhausted, and cold water, I felt sure, was absolutely necessary
for him. In what direction I was most likely to find it I could not
tell. The last stream we crossed was some distance back, and I might
have to go a long way across the plain before coming to another; indeed,
in no direction did the appearance of the country indicate a stream or
fountain. This thought caused me the greatest anxiety. I would have
endured any amount of thirst, I thought, rather than not give Natty what
he required. I remembered that the orphan boy was committed to my
charge by his father, and as a father would treat his son, so was I
bound to treat him.

After sitting by his side for some time and eating a slender breakfast,
I took my gun and walked about the hut, now going in one direction, now
in the other, in the hope of finding indications of water. Perhaps, I
thought, I may kill a parrot or pigeon, or some other bird, which may be
more palatable to him than stronger meat. I went further and further,
but still could find no signs of water. While I was at the furthest
point the dread seized me, that although the hut was in sight some
creature might have stolen in, and I hurried back, dreading to find my
fears realised. Not till I had entered the hut and knelt down by his
side was I satisfied that he was safe. He was still sleeping, and I
hoped he might thereby recover his strength. After sitting for some
time by his side, I again got up and cut a number of boughs. These I
stuck in round the entrance, so that no creature could possibly get in.
I now ventured to go rather further from the hut, but could not bring
myself to lose sight of the tree under which it was situated. I
continued looking about for birds; for though I saw some at a distance,
I could not get near enough to be certain of a shot; and as I said
before, I could not venture to throw any of my ammunition away. I was
beginning to feel very thirsty, and had recourse to chewing leaves,
hoping that it would relieve me. It had, however, but little effect.
At last, greatly out of spirits, I returned to the hut. Natty awoke as
I pulled aside the boughs. He scarcely seemed to know me, however. I
gave him a little water, a