to get to Maritzburg, agreed to wait until
the following morning, when it was hoped that Denis would be able to sit
his horse, and benefit by the fresh air of the early day.

His father was very grateful to their friend for his kindness.

"Don't talk about it," answered the sturdy hunter. "Our oxen will
benefit by having another day's rest and good feeding, which neither
yours nor mine are likely to obtain for some time to come; for when once
I inspan, I shall let nothing stop me until I get to the end of my
journey, and you, of course, will have to traverse the barren country I
lately passed over."

The young chief, however, showed great impatience at the delay. He
evidently feared that his countrymen would discover him and drag him
from the protection of the English. He expressed this idea to
Hendricks.

"They will have to fight pretty hard to do that, and you must not be
slow to defend yourselves," observed the hunter.

The black chief flourished his assegai with a fierce look. "Mangaleesu
has shown what he can do, and he will not yield while life lasts," he
exclaimed.

"Those who are ready to fight for themselves merit assistance," observed
the hunter. "Rest assured, we will not deliver you up."

During the hot hours of the day the Kaffir and Hottentot servants lay
about in whatever shade could be found, some smoking, others spinning
interminable yarns, but the larger number passing the time fast asleep,
stretched on the ground with a few boughs or pieces of blanket over
their heads. Occasionally the Hottentots were roused up to take then
turn in watching the cattle, on which, even during the day, it was
necessary to keep a bright look-out lest a lion might pounce down upon
them, or a black rhinoceros charge into their midst and put them to
flight. At length Hendricks called out the hunters, and sent them in
search of game. While they took one direction, he himself, with
Maloney, accompanied by Umgolo, proceeded higher up the mountain-side,
his object being to discover if there was any more practicable route
than the one by which the latter had come, as also to ascertain if there
were any native kraals in the neighbourhood. The summit of the hill was
soon reached.

"It is as I thought," said Maloney, after they had surveyed the country.
"You'll not find a better road to the east or west, bad as it is; if
you make the attempt, you'll very likely get out of the frying-pan into
the fire."

On eith