rs and his sons started off to see if they could provide
anything palatable for supper; but though there was a swampy lagoon
about a mile away, they did not catch sight of a single duck, and were
returning tired and disappointed when they caught sight of the Zulu
signalling to them to come.

"He has found something," cried Jack eagerly; and they hastened over the
rugged intervening space, to find that the father of Coffee and Chicory
was evidently a keen hunter, and ready enough in knowing where to look
for creatures that would do for food.

With almost unerring instinct he had found out this clump of trees,
evidently one where guinea-fowl came to roost; and full of hope that
they would now obtain a good addition to the larder, or, in plain
English, a few birds to roast for supper, guns were supplied with
cartridges, and the little party waited for the coming of the spotted
birds.

The pleasurable anticipations of the boys, who had a lively recollection
of the toothsome bird with a flavour half-way between roast fowl and
pheasant, seemed likely to be damped, for they had been waiting quite
half an hour without hearing or seeing anything, when suddenly the Zulu
laid his hand upon Jack's arm, and pointed in a direction opposite to
the waggon.

"Well, what are you pointing at?" said Jack. "I can't see anything.
Yes, I can; there they are, father. Look out!"

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

Half-a-dozen rapid shots, and then, amidst the whizzing of wings and
cries of the birds, some of which flew off, while others ran through the
short grass at an astounding rate, Coffee, Chicory, and their father ran
out beneath the trees; and the result of the firing was brought in--ten
fine plump birds for their supper.

This was the first night that they had passed in the open, the previous
halts having been made at some farm; so after the supper the blacks were
set to gather in more wood, the fire was well made up, and the oxen
secured, it being decided to begin at once upon the regular plan that
they would have to adopt in the enemy's country, the enemy being formed
of the various wild creatures against whom they were having their
campaign.

Years back the spot where they were encamped had been famous for lions,
but from what Mr Rogers had heard, none had been seen here now for a
considerable time. Still he thought it better to take precautions, the
party being divided into three watches, the first of which he took