ng up that thought he returned to what we may style his lair--the
place where he had spent the night--under a mimosa-bush, and there
girded himself with a belt containing a long knife. He further armed
himself with a fowling-piece. Thus accoutred he sallied forth with the
nonchalant air of a sportsman taking his pleasure. Going down to the
stream, and following its course upwards, he quickly came in sight of
the camp-fire whose smoke had attracted his attention. A tall man in
dishabille was bending over it, coaxing the flame to kindle some rather
green wood over which a large iron pot hung from a tripod. The fire was
in front of a large, but not deep, cavern, in the recesses of which
three slumbering figures were visible.

Drawing cautiously nearer, George discovered that the man at the fire
was John Skyd, and of course jumped to the conclusion that the three
slumbering figures were his brothers and friend. These enterprising
knights of the quill, having found what they deemed a suitable spot, had
selected a cave for their residence, as being at once ready and
economical.

Now, George Dally, being gifted with a reckless as well as humorous
disposition, suddenly conceived the idea of perpetrating a practical
joke. Perhaps Junkie's performances on the previous evening suggested
it. Flinging his cap on the ground, he ran his fingers through his
thick hair until it stood up in wild confusion, and then, deliberately
uttering a hideous and quite original war-whoop, he rushed furiously
towards the cave.

The brothers Skyd and company proved themselves equal to the occasion,
for they received him at the cavern mouth with the muzzles of four
double-barrelled guns, and a stern order to halt!

Next moment the muzzles were thrown up as they exclaimed in surprise--

"Why, Dally, is it you?"

"Didn't you hear it?" gasped George, supporting himself on the side of
the cavern.

"Hear what?"

"The war-whoop!"

"Of course we did--at least we heard a most unearthly yell. What was
it?"

"We'd best go out and see," cried George, cocking his gun; "if it was
Kafirs the sooner we follow them up the better."

"Not so, friend George," said Frank Dobson, in a slightly sarcastic
tone. "If it was Kafirs they are far beyond our reach by this time, and
if they mean us harm we are safer in our fortress here. My opinion is
that we should have our breakfast without delay, and then we shall be in
a fit state to face our foes--whe