to
distinguish, that the light of day was returning, but the clouds still
hung so densely around the horizon, that he was unable to ascertain the
direction of the east. This he had hoped to do, that they might with
greater certainty direct their course. At last the light became
sufficient to enable them to proceed. He called Percy, who at once got
up, saying that he was greatly refreshed and ready to go on as well as
ever, though he wished they had another ostrich egg on which to
breakfast.

"We can't eat our loaf and have it too," answered Denis, "but I hope we
shall have something as good."

They first made their way to the fountain, where they refreshed
themselves with a draught of pure water, and having given as much to
Raff as he could drink, they filled their water bottles, washed their
faces and heads, and then pushed on, their spirits cheered with the hope
of soon obtaining some game, and of falling in with the waggon before
the day was over.

They trudged on, and although they saw some animals in the distance,
they could not get near enough to distinguish what they were. It showed
them, however, that there must be water in the neighbourhood, and they
hoped therefore before long to come upon it. Percy had for some time
been walking with much less elasticity than when they first started. At
last he proposed that they should stop and eat the remainder of the
biscuit they carried in their pouches. Having a good supply of water,
they could now swallow it, which they could not have done on the
previous day. They made towards a tree which would afford them shade,
and on reaching it sat down and took their frugal breakfast, but poor
Raff had to go without any, as Denis knew that it would be folly to give
him any of the biscuit, which would not have satisfied his hunger.
Again they went on, looking out anxiously for the tracks of the waggon
wheels, or other signs which might indicate that their friends had been
that way. Denis at last had to confess that he felt somewhat anxious.
The day wore on, and though very thirsty, they husbanded their water for
fear of not finding any before night.

They were almost in despair of falling in with game, when they caught
sight, issuing from behind a wood in the distance, of a troop of pallahs
coming in their direction. Looking about eagerly for some cover behind
which they could conceal themselves, until the pallahs came near, they
observed a thick bush a short dista