test energy and enterprise fail in
the attempts they are making to obtain certain results; these failures
do not invariably occur in consequence of want of skill or care on the
part of the men themselves, but seem to be the effect of some
inscrutable power, which is often termed luck. When again and again
such failures happen, we are accustomed to be thoroughly cast down, and
to feel that no endeavours of our own can aid us: do what we may, think
what we may, yet an evil luck will attend us, and failure must follow.
These seasons of ill-luck or want of success may be the means used to
teach us that man's efforts alone can be but fruitless, and that it
needs the assistance of higher powers to ensure success.

It was with a feeling of utter despair that Hans Sterk contemplated his
late failure and his present pitiable condition. Like as a beaten
chess-player reflects on the move which, if executed, might have saved
him his game, so did Hans turn over every act and thought of the past,
in order to find how he might have avoided his late failure; but the
fact remained, that the enemy had been too crafty for him, and he too
sanguine of success.

The hut in which he was a bound prisoner was like all the huts of the
Kaffirs. It was constructed of strong wicker-work, and thatched with
reeds and long grass; the door was merely a small wattled hurdle, and
did not so entirely block the doorway as to prevent those outside from
looking in; the walls were so thin that voices and conversation, even
though carried on in a moderately low voice, could be heard from hut to
hut. After the three prisoners had remained silent a short period, Hans
said--

"Friends, I am very sorry that I have brought you into this state. We
have tried our best, but we have failed: men can do no more than try."

"We have been unlucky," said Bernhard; "and most likely shall not see
another sun rise, for the old chief must be furious at his losses
lately, and may gratify his vengeance by seeing us assagied."

"Don't let us look at the worst," said Victor; "we must think of escape;
it is no use lying here like sheep to be taken, to the slaughter. I too
believe we shall die to-morrow, but let us at least try to escape."

"Rather difficult to escape, with our hands tied, and surrounded by
enemies," remarked Bernhard.

"Nothing is impossible to men with wits and nerve," replied Hans; "and
now I feel once more a man. Thank you, Victor, for giving me fre