he Eldorado they expected, before
they have had time to dig a spade into the ground or run a plough over
it. For my part, I'm mighty glad to get out of their company and find
myself in the wilderness."

"So am I generally, after I have been a short time at home, I confess,
though I have many friends in Maritzburg, with whom I am glad now and
again to spend a few days," replied Hendricks. "Had you, however,
waited a little longer, I intended to propose that we should join forces
and travel together. I thought it possible indeed that I might fall in
with you, although as I did not expect to do so for several days to come
I was in hopes that you would be induced to wait for me till I was ready
to make a fresh start."

"I would willingly have delayed my journey or waited for you, had we met
closer to the Natal border," answered Mr Maloney; "but as you know, it
would not be prudent to remain longer than possible in this part of the
country, and even now, as I shall spend some time trading and hunting to
the south of the Drakensberg, you will probably overtake me before I get
over the mountains."

"It will be from no fault of mine if I do not," said Hendricks. "I
shall not be long in transacting my business at Maritzburg. However,
we'll talk of that presently; and now come along to my camp, for supper
will be ready by the time we get there. By the bye, who is the lad with
you? He looks somewhat tired from his journey."

"He is my son Denis, a chip of the old block," answered Mr Maloney.
"To say the truth, however, he is just now somewhat sick, and I'd rather
see him safe at Maritzburg than travelling with me into the wilderness.
I have a favour to ask--it is that you will take charge of him and let
him accompany you back to the town. I shall be mighty thankful to you
if you will."

"I will do as you wish," said Hendricks, "though the lad, I suspect,
would rather be hunting with you than kicking his heels in town with
nothing to do."

"He has been too well-trained to dispute my authority," observed Mr
Maloney. "I took him from the office of his uncle, my worthy
brother-in-law, and he must go back for a few months until I return and
am ready to make my next trip. By that time he'll have more muscle and
stamina, and be better able to stand the fatigue and hard life we
hunters have to endure."

"I'll carry out your wishes with all my heart, and will look after the
lad while I remain in the colony," said Hendric