ccompanied by Gozo and two dogs, were the first
to start, been suffering from thirst, and very much from hunger also,
they would have been able to march merrily along. As it was, by chewing
some grass which they plucked as they went on, they somewhat lessened
their sufferings. They kept their eyes about them for any signs which
might indicate water. Though here and there shrubs, and even trees of
some size, grew out of the sandy soil, yet no moisture could be
discovered. Fewer animals than usual were seen, but occasionally a herd
of gnus or antelopes bounded across their path, but too far off for a
shot.

As the sun rose the heat increased, but that made them still more
anxious to discover water. The poor dogs suffered even more than they
did, as they followed at their heels; for even the sight of game did not
induce them to scamper off as they would have done on other occasions.

"It will never do to give in," said Denis, as Percy proposed sitting
down under the shade of a tree to rest, where the dogs had already
sought shelter.

"I don't wish to give in; but if we cannot find water soon, I fear that
it will be impossible to get on," answered Percy.

"Look at poor Gozo, he seems to be suffering even more than we are,
though I should have supposed that he would have held out the longest."

The old Kaffir threw himself down in the shade, and lay on his back
gasping. "I shall die, masters, I shall die!" he said; "I cannot go
farther."

"Don't be saying that, Gozo; you'll get up after a little rest, and
we'll find water before long; if not, we may fall in with some juicy
roots: I have heard that such grow in some parts of the country where
the soil is sandy, and so we are likely to discover them here."

"It won't do to stop here long," said Denis. "We must up and away; the
sooner we set off, the sooner we shall find water. Come along, rouse
up, Gozo; you will be better moving along than lying still."

The Kaffir thus incited to exertion got on his feet. The party set off,
the dogs dragging themselves after their masters, for their instinct
told them that there would be no safety for them alone. On and on they
went, Denis and Percy doing their best to keep up each other's spirits.
Poor Gozo, however, complained more and more. He had drawn his hunger
belt tighter and tighter round his waist, until it looked as if it would
cut him in two. His throat, he said, felt as if a hot iron had been run
down it; ye