that he and Leo
had heard of the appearance of some white people at the distance of
three or four days' journey off, towards the south-west, and though the
account was not very exact, from that moment Leo had determined to make
his escape. He arranged that if they could not get off together he
should go first, and leave marks to show his route. Mango was to
follow, or should he be prevented, Leo promised that he would return
with his friends to his rescue.

"But, massa," added Mango, "long way walky. Dey got cows, big horns,
for ridey. Me steal one for massa."

Perhaps I am making Mango speak even more clearly than he really did;
but he made me understand his meaning by the help of words and signs.

"No," I replied. "I shall be very glad to buy one of their animals,
though they must suppose it is for you to ride, and not for me, as they
now believe that I could not possibly require any other steed beside my
zebra."

While I remained in the hut, I sent Mango to the chief with an offer to
buy an ox, provided he would bring several to the village early in the
morning for me to choose from. Mango shortly returned to say that the
chief agreed to my proposal; indeed, the old man was probably, as most
Africans are, perfectly ready to do a stroke of business, particularly
as Mango had told him that I was willing to pay a good price for the
animal.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

A SEARCH FOR LEO, AND AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

I need not enter into the particulars of my purchase. The transaction
was soon completed. I had brought articles sufficient, I hoped, to
ransom both Leo and Mango. I told the chief that, although I did not
consider myself bound to pay him anything for releasing Mango, yet I
would make him a present in consideration of the kind treatment which he
and my young countryman had experienced. All parties seemed well
pleased, especially when I offered a further sum for some provisions--
cassava, plantains, antelope flesh, and dried elephant meat--which I
intended for my attendants, whom I hoped to meet in the valley below.

In case the fickle negroes should change their mind, I hurried off as
soon as I possibly could without exciting their undue suspicions, and
was glad to find that no one followed us. We took our way down the hill
to a spot where I left my three attendants, but they were nowhere to be
seen. There was their camp-fire, but it had long gone out; and I
supposed that, having been alarmed