alls Farm and its inmates, and he thought that it would be
very pleasant to spend a day or two with them. Hendricks, if he had
recovered the oxen, was very likely to be there, or would arrive
shortly.

Denis and Percy were thankful to be able to rest securely without the
risk of being carried off by a lion or leopard, or trampled upon by an
elephant or rhinoceros. A hunter in Africa has no easy time of it,
either by night or by day. He has treacherous human foes and savage
wild animals to contend with.

Although night had not commenced, Denis was glad to lie down by the side
of his friend, so as to obtain a longer rest than he had enjoyed for
many a night. Next morning Percy declared that he felt better, after he
had had another meal off rhinoceros flesh and water. Still Denis saw
that he was not at all able to walk far, and certainly not fit to
attempt making a long journey. He persuaded him therefore to remain
quiet, at all events for another day.

"I wish that we had something better than this rhinoceros meat," said
Denis to Mangaleesu.

"You shall have it," was the answer; "but I must be cautious in going
out, lest I fall in with any of my enemies. If I am killed, I will
trust you to look after my wife. Let her accompany you to the farm,
where I am sure the good white chief will take care of her, as he is
kind, I am told, to all the people round."

"I promise to do as you desire; but if there is any danger, it would be
better not to go out," said Denis. "We can rough it on the rhinoceros
meat."

Mangaleesu, however, observing that there would not be enough meat to
last them another day, insisted on going out to find a deer or antelope.

Having closed the mouth of the cavern, and charged his companions not to
venture forth, he set out. Denis and Percy passed their time mostly in
sleep, to make up, as Denis said, "for their want of rest for so many
days." Kalinda sat watching them, having nothing else to do. A
considerable part of the day had passed, and they began to grow anxious
at Mangaleesu's not returning.

Kalinda waited patiently, but she now frequently got up and went close
to the mouth of the cavern, where she stood in the attitude of
listening. Poor creature, she had long been accustomed to that state of
anxiety, but now she had begun to hope that they would soon get across
the border. They had taken into the cave a supply of water, and had
cooked the remainder of the rhinoceros meat.