ne, when Donald gave us the unsatisfactory information that one
meal alone remained for the party in the camp.

"Then, my friends," said Stanley, "let us lose no time in making our
retreat. We may get to a long distance before the blacks discover that
we have left the fort; and if they follow us, we must turn round and
drive them off."

The necessity of moving was so obvious, that no time was lost in
preparing to start. The waggons were laden, the oxen yoked. The usual
fires were lighted, to deceive the enemy. Then in perfect silence we
quitted the camp, Stanley and I bringing up the rear, and Timbo and Jack
and four other men, well-armed, on foot. We moved on slowly; for
neither we, our horses, nor cattle were capable of much exertion. Every
now and then Stanley halted and faced round to ascertain whether we were
pursued; but some hours passed by, and we began to hope that the enemy
had retreated before we commenced our march, or had not ventured to
follow us. We knew well, however, that if the blacks did pursue us,
they would come on stealthily, so that we should have but a short time
to prepare for their reception. Leo and Natty were persuaded to remain
in the waggon with their guns loaded, ready to do battle for Kate and
Bella; while Donald had put arms into the hands of the most trustworthy
of his men, who promised to fight bravely should we be attacked.
However, he confessed that he had no confidence in their valour. After
riding for some time at a distance from the waggon we once more joined
them, hoping that we should be able to proceed without molestation.

I was very thankful when the sun rose; and though his beams were likely
to be somewhat hot, they greatly cheered our spirits. I was on the
point, at Stanley's request, of riding on to ask Donald Fraser when he
proposed to camp, when, looking round, I saw away to the north, on the
summit of an elevation we had passed over, a dark line moving towards
us. I pointed it out to Stanley.

"It is the blacks! There can be no doubt about that," he answered. "We
must be prepared for them. I did not suppose they would have ventured
so far in pursuit."

"I say, Andrew, we must drive these fellows off, and have done with
them," said Leo. "You will see how Natty and I will fight!"

I was sure from his determined look that he would be as good as his
word, and that Natty would not be less courageous, though he made no
remark. Stanley had given orders th