bush. The dawn was gradually lightening, and now, looking down into
this, I could see that it was thickly strewn with innumerable bones--the
bones of oxen and sheep. Two heads, unflayed and decomposed, stared up
from the white mass, the great branching horns looking spectral and
menacing in the uncertain light. Evidently this was the secret nest of
a daring and organised gang of cattle stealers.

While I was debating which way to turn, a sound fell upon my ears which
was as the first thrill of security, for it was the unmistakable whicker
of a horse. That meant Brian, if not all three of my late companions,
returned to search for me. Yet it would not do to make too sure,
wherefore as I took my way downward in the direction of the sound I did
so in silence, and soon had reason to bless my caution, for after a few
minutes of walking there lay before me a small kraal.

It consisted of three huts, whose inmates were probably fast asleep, a
thorn enclosure containing a few goats; but, best of all, tied to the
gate-post, were two horses. And in these I recognised the horse I had
been riding, and one of the stolen ones, by name Punch. To steal down
to the spot was the work of very few minutes. Still no sign of life,
not even a dog, luckily. Quickly I made my way to the horses. They
seemed to recognise me, and whickered again. The goats, too, stampeded
to the other side of the kraal. Would the noise waken those villains?
Quickly I untied the _reim_ which secured my own horse, and twisting a
bight of it into his mouth by way of an impromptu bit, I cut through the
_reim_ that held the other and mounted--of course, barebacked.

Punch at once laid himself out to follow his companion, as I knew he
would. But before I had gone a hundred paces I heard another whinny
behind. Looking back I beheld two more horses tied to a tree, just
beyond the kraal--and even at that distance I recognised Beryl's
favourite steed, Meerkat. They had been hidden by a projecting shoulder
of bush until now.

Athrill with excitement, for the first time since my capture I began to
enjoy the adventure. I would still redeem my pledge, and restore
Meerkat, so lost not a moment in turning back to release the other two.
But at the same time I saw something else. Following down upon the
track of my flight came two or three dark forms, then more and more. My
enemies had discovered my escape, and were hot foot in pursuit. I could
afford to laug