finished our hut, it occurred to me
that should we leave the zebra tethered outside, it might very likely
attract either lions or hyenas, or other wild beasts of prey. I
accordingly cut down a large number of stakes, with which I formed an
enclosure by the side of the hut. I covered it also with a tolerably
strong roof, lest any animal might leap over the walls. The little
creature had, I suspect, learned so severe a lesson during his
wanderings with his kindred, that he seemed fully to understand the
necessity for these arrangements. At all events, when I led him in he
was perfectly quiet and contented, especially when I gave him as much
grass as he could require. I also made up a large fire outside our hut,
and although I did not attempt to keep awake all the night, I was able
to rouse myself from time to time to throw on enough wood to keep it
alive. Although I heard the sounds of animals in the distance, the fire
prevented them from making an attack on us.

The next morning we again started. Natty looked somewhat better; but
when, in order to relieve the little zebra, he got off and attempted to
walk, he was unable to proceed many paces, and made no objection when I
again put him on the animal's back.

Our pet was tamed entirely by gentleness and kindness, or it would have
remained as wild and savage as its fellows. I believe there are no
animals which cannot be made subject to man, provided they are treated
in the right way. I have often wished that our horses and asses in
England were treated more gently. I am sure they would be more faithful
and useful animals than they often prove when subjected to a contrary
system.

As we proceeded, we began to recognise more clearly the outline of the
hills on which we had so long lived. Still, however, we were at a
considerable distance, and I soon saw that, at the slow rate we were
proceeding, another day must elapse before we could reach them. The
arrangements of the previous night were repeated with similar success.
We now hoped to reach our destination early in the afternoon. Once more
the lake appeared in sight, the stream running into it, the woods on the
other side, and the well-known hill, though we were much too far off to
distinguish our village. The little zebra seemed to know it also, for
he hastened his pace. We were anticipating the delight our reappearance
would give our friends, though then the thought came across us of the
disappointment t