this intention he ordered his men to cut down stakes
and to collect a large quantity of prickly pear-bushes which grew in the
neighbourhood. A square fence was then formed with stakes, the
interstices being filled up by masses of bushes, making it perfectly
impervious, so that even elephants would hesitate before attempting to
break through it. Within the circle rude huts were built for the
accommodation of the garrison, one of which, of rather better
construction, was devoted to Ned's use. He had hardly taken possession
of it when he felt a painful sensation come over him, and he was
conscious that he was attacked by fever. Fearful fancies filled his
brain, hideous forms were constantly flitting before him, while during
his lucid moments he endured the greatest depression of spirits. He
gave up all hope of ever again seeing those he loved or his native land.
Hour after hour he lay racked with pain. Sayd sat up by his side,
continuing to assert that he would recover. Still not only hours but
days and weeks went by, and he heard Sayd acknowledge to Sambroko that
he feared the young master would die after all. The very next day,
however, Ned felt himself better, though too weak to walk. Sayd had
hitherto borne the delay patiently, but he now again became anxious to
proceed. Sambroko, though at first successful, had of late shot but a
small quantity of game.

At length Sayd ordered a litter to be formed, and directed four of the
pagazis to carry Ned, giving their packs to others, who grumbled greatly
at the increased weight of their loads. Sambroko having fortunately
killed an eland, the people were restored to good-humour, and consented
the next morning to commence the march.

Again the little caravan moved on, and as the men had been well fed they
made good progress. About an hour before sunset they once more prepared
to camp, a spot near a thick wood having been selected, with a stream
flowing at no great distance. Ned had been placed on the ground, and
the people were scattered about collecting branches for huts and fuel
for their fires, when suddenly loud cries burst from the forest, and a
band of fierce-looking savages, armed with spears and javelins, burst
out from among the trees. The men had left their arms in the centre of
the spot chosen for their camp; near them lay Ned on his litter, with
Sayd seated by his side. The young Arab immediately rose, and lifting
his rifle, pointed it at the foremost