ilful hands it seemed comparatively easy, for he knew exactly
where to divide the muscles to make the limbs give way, and how to
thrust the point of his knife through various membranes; so that by
breakfast-time, with the help of Peter, both trophies were removed, and
borne to the camp in triumph.

The place being so lovely, and game being evidently abundant, Mr Rogers
decided to stay where they were for a day or two, especially as the work
of making a kraal of thorns every night became an arduous task and there
was nothing to be gained by hurrying through the wonderful country
without stopping to examine its beauties.

Then, too, the abundance of rich fine grass growing near the rivulets
that came down from the mountains was invaluable for the oxen, which had
begun to look a trifle thinner; and as the good patient beasts worked so
willingly and well, it was a pleasure to see them knee-deep in grass,
placidly munching away at the rich herbage, and in company with the
horses.

So holiday for the animals was proclaimed; Dinny, Peter, and Dirk were
ordered to keep a watchful eye upon the grazing cattle, and Mr Rogers
proposed a short walking, shooting, and natural-history-collecting
expedition.

Of course it was all nonsense, but Dick vowed that Rough'un went and
told what was to be; for the dog, who had been looking at his masters
with bright, intelligent eyes, suddenly jumped upon all fours and barked
twice, after which he trotted off to where Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus
were tied to the wheels of the waggon, put his nose to each, and barked;
and in the place of a patient attack upon tormenting flies and fleas,
the dogs leaped up, strained at their thongs, and barked and bayed
furiously.

"Let them loose, boys," said Mr Rogers, to Coffee and Chicory, who ran
to perform his orders, but found it hard work; for the dogs leaped at
them, twisted the thongs between and round their legs, and upset them
twice; while as soon as they were at liberty they seemed to have
mutually agreed that this was one of the dog-days, and that it was their
duty to go right off mad.

Their antics were wonderful. First they rushed off as hard as they
could tear, as if going straight back home to Mr Rogers' farm; the next
minute they were back, as if they had forgotten to kill Rough'un first,
for they charged down upon him, rolling him over and over, biting,
worrying, and tumbling upon him in the exuberance of their delight;
while Rough'un