d. They were tall trees with
spreading branches. They would not grow thus unless with nourishment
from below.

The Arabs and their followers raised a shout, and pressed forward.
Every instant they expected to come upon a stream. Several of the trees
were passed, and none was seen. At length they reached a bank below
which the stars were reflected as in a mirror.

"Water! water!" was the cry, and Arabs and soldiers and slaves dashing
forward, their strength suddenly revived, plunged their faces into the
pool, regardless of the danger they ran. Some, more prudent, drank the
water from their hands, or from cups they carried, but several,
exhausted, fell with their heads below the surface. Some of these were
rescued by their comrades, but many were drowned before they could be
drawn out. The leaders now issued the order to encamp, and the pagazis,
piling their loads, were compelled to search for wood.

On the different bands being mustered by their respective chiefs, nearly
half were found missing. Ned set out to search for Chando, and brought
him to Sayd's fire to hear more of his adventures, but, though generally
talkative, he was scarcely able to utter a word. Directly the scanty
meal had been consumed, the weary blacks as well as their masters were
asleep. A few hours only were allowed them to rest, when, their
strength being somewhat recovered, a large party with water-bottles were
sent along the way they had come to the relief of any who might have
survived, and to bring in their loads. A few lives were thus saved, and
much of the property dropped was recovered.

Sayd had lost several of his men, but he took the matter very coolly,
observing "that it was the will of Allah, and could not be avoided."

Heavy as the loss of life had been, the Arabs were still sufficiently
numerous to march forward to the rich country where they expected to
obtain all their hearts desired. A halt, however, of several days was
absolutely necessary to recruit their strength. As Sayd was less
fatigued than any of the other chiefs, he undertook to go out hunting in
order to obtain food, which was greatly required. Ned offered to
accompany him. He took Sambroko, Hassan, and three more of his own
followers, and having permission to select any experienced hunters from
among the rest of the men, recollecting what Chando had said, he fixed
among others on him. All were well-armed with muskets, or bows and
arrows and spears, an