ost of them; but one elevated on a
slight mound above the rest showed me what they were.

"I am very sure there are none of the animals you mention in this
country," I answered, more awake than Mudge. "I believe they are only
cowardly dingos; and a shout, or, at all events, a shot, would send them
to the right-about. Fire, and you'll see I am not mistaken," I shouted
at the top of my voice.

He discharged his pistol, the report of which echoed loudly through the
cavern; and, as I expected, the dingos--for such they were--instantly
turned tail and scampered away, uttering cur-like yelps, which left no
doubt as to their character.

"I believe I was half asleep," said Mudge, "or I should have known what
these yelping brutes were. They might have proved somewhat annoying had
they attacked us unawares; but I don't think they'll come back. In case
they should, I'll keep one eye open; but do you go to sleep again,
Godfrey--I am sorry you should have been disturbed."

I did not trouble myself much about the dingos, as I felt pretty sure
they would not attack human beings, and I very soon followed Mudge's
advice.

I cannot say, when I awoke in the morning, that I felt as rested as I
could have wished. My mouth was as dry as a dust-hole, and the
sensations in my throat were very distressing. However, I managed to
get on my feet; and the moment there was sufficient daylight to enable
us to see our way, we recommenced our descent.

As I walked on,--or I may say, stumbled on,--Mudge still insisting on
carrying my knapsack, we eagerly looked about for water; but though we
saw shrubs and even trees, not the most tiny streamlet could we
discover. I felt sure that I could not put anything into my mouth until
I had taken some liquid to moisten my parched throat; and Mudge
confessed that he felt much as I did, though his strength was less
impaired than mine. We had passed a number of trees, which we examined
eagerly in the hope of finding some juicy fruit, but in vain.

"What would I not give for a handful of strawberries or figs!" I could
not help exclaiming.

"I shouldn't object to a dozen ripe pears or apples," said Mudge; "but
none of these trees are likely to afford us what we want."

We were thus trying to keep up our spirits, for it was a hard matter to
do so, when my eye fell on a curiously-shaped tree. Growing on it was
what at first I thought was fruit, though of a remarkable form. Making
our way towards it