int light began to make
the trees around visible; and by rapid degrees the fire began to pale,
and the various objects grow more plain.

Then there were a few golden clouds high up above their heads; and the
big bay suddenly uttered a loud neigh, which was answered by a roar
close at hand. But Dick hurled his burning brand in that direction, and
there was a savage snarl, after which the weary party had peace, for the
lions seemed to have departed. While the moment the sun's edge appeared
above the plain, all mounted, and keeping a sharp look out, went off at
full gallop towards the camp.

They reached it without molestation, the horses seeming almost to fly;
and there they found that all had been very uneasy, and that they had
passed the night keeping up a blazing fire, and firing guns at
intervals, so as to guide them back.

"But it's a wonder ye found us at all at all, sor," said Dinny.

"Why?" asked Mr Rogers.

"Shure, sor, the lions have been rampaging around the waggon the whole
night through, and I had to kape them off by throwing burning sthicks
and shouting at 'em, for Pater and Dirk were about as much good as a
couple of babbies, and the big Sooloo went to slape and snored."

"That's just what I'm going to do, Dinny," said Jack, yawning.

And to show that he meant it, no sooner had he tied up and seen to his
horse, than he threw himself down, his example being followed by the
others, so that it was getting close upon noon before breakfast was
attacked.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

A LESSON IN OSTRICH HUNTING.

That same afternoon Dick, who had taken the glass and mounted a tree for
a look round, announced ostriches in sight, and the General smiled and
said it was his turn now.

While the others had slept he had been very busy, skinning the ostrich,
and stuffing its long neck, and, to the astonishment of Dinny, he placed
four or five little assegais ready, and then threw the skin of the
ostrich over his head and shoulders, holding up the head by means of a
stick run through the neck, and then, turning on one side, only his bare
legs were visible.

Jack burst into a roar of laughter, and Chicory began to get rid of his
superfluous excitement in his usual way--by dancing round and round and
indulging in a few kicks and jumps.

It was a very clumsy imitation of an ostrich, but experience had often
proved it to be sufficiently near to beguile the great birds, especially
when, after stalking along for