somewhat smaller than the usual run of elephants; but
come along."

They had been taking a circuit of the farm on horseback. They now
turned down along the bank of the river. After going a couple of miles,
they reached a small lake, filled by the overflowing of the stream. It
was mostly surrounded by a thick border of reeds, but there was one spot
which enabled them to approach close to the water. Presently a huge
head rose above the surface, then another appeared.

"Why those are hippopotami!" exclaimed Crawford.

"Yes, they are the game I spoke of," said Rupert. "They have been born
since we came here, and have been so accustomed to us from their
infancy, that they are now as tame as cows, and never think of attacking
us, although I do not know what they would do to a stranger. Many will
come when we call them, as they have been used to be fed by us, though
when provisions have occasionally been scarce we have been compelled to
kill a few of them. The rest, however, do not resent the death of their
relatives; indeed, they benefit by it; for were they to increase much
above their present number, they would not find sufficient food, and
would be obliged to migrate, with the risk of being trapped."

"Do you mean to say that the flesh of those huge beasts is fit for
food?" asked Crawford.

"Most certainly; it is equal to the best beef, or rather veal, which it
more nearly resembles."

As they were leaving the neighbourhood of the pool, Crawford exclaimed,
"Did you see any one stealing behind those bushes out there? I am
nearly certain I did."

"Yes, I caught a glimpse, not only of one black fellow, but of two, and
there may be more," said Rupert.

"Let us rout out the rascals," cried Crawford; and on the impulse of the
moment he was about to stick spurs into the flanks of his horse, and to
dash on towards the bush, behind which the natives had concealed
themselves.

"Stay, it would be better to ride forward as if we had not noticed
them," answered Rupert.

"But ought we not to watch them, and insist on their telling us why they
are skulking in this place?" asked Crawford.

"The attempt would be dangerous in the extreme, for they are probably
ready to hurl their assegais at us, should we approach them near
enough," answered Rupert. "Our only prudent course will be to get away
from them, and to keep a look-out lest they should steal on, concealed
by the underwood, and manage to get ahead, when they ma