e to the south-east of this that I might hope
to find Leo, and yet at no very great distance, otherwise my former
hosts would not have refused to go beyond the stream, at which it will
be remembered we turned back. The journey might, I thought, occupy me
three or four days, if I could manage to steer a direct course for it.
The weather was now again fine, so we camped out at night, lighting the
usual watch-fires; and I lay down on the ground with the zebra tethered
near me. We saw two or three villages in the distance; but I understood
from my companions that they were sure no white men were there, or they
would have heard of it. At length, at the end of a four days' journey,
a village appeared directly before us, situated on some rising ground.
It was in the direction where, by my calculations, I thought it possible
the one would be found to which Leo had been carried. A number of goats
were feeding on the side of the hill, and below my eyes were gladdened
by the sight of some horned cattle, which, by their movements, were
evidently tame.

My companions now made signs to me that I might go on alone, as they did
not feel disposed to trust themselves within the village until they had
ascertained the disposition of the inhabitants. Leading the zebra, I
therefore walked on till I came in sight of a gate at the end of the
principal street, if I may so call it, it being always remembered that
the houses were only reed huts, and the gates were composed of rough
poles. As I neared it several people issued forth with javelins in
their hands, and, vociferating loudly, rushed towards me. My gun was
slung at my back, so I held up my hands to show that I had no intention
of attacking them. On this they somewhat slackened their pace, though
they still held their weapons in a threatening manner. I knew that my
best chance of safety was to advance boldly without showing any sign of
fear. This had the desired effect, and they now came on in a more
friendly manner. They showed signs of astonishment at seeing the zebra
in my company, and, I observed, paid me more respect from believing that
I had the power of taming an animal so generally untameable. We were
still at some little distance from the gates, when another person came
out. Seeing me, he rushed forward, and breaking through the people who
surrounded me, threw himself at my feet. Greatly to my delight I
recognised young Mango. Tears dropped from his eyes as he took