valley, covered with magnificent trees, among which were many gigantic
baobabs (_Adansonia digitata_). Wild date-trees were growing in little
clumps; while the floral carpet, spread in brilliant pattern over the
valley, was observed by Hans with an air of peculiar satisfaction.

He had reached a new field for the pursuit of his studies, and bright
dreams were passing gently through his mind,--dreams that anticipated
new discoveries in the botanical world, which might make his name known
among the savants of Europe.

Before any of his companions were moving, Groot Willem, accompanied by
Congo, stole forth to take a look at the surrounding country.

They directed their course down the river. On reaching the place where
they had crossed it, they chanced upon a tableau that even a hunter, who
is supposed to take delight in the destruction of animals, could not
look upon without unpleasant emotions.

Within the space of a hundred yards were lying five dead antelopes, of a
species Willem had never seen before. Feeding on the carcasses were
several hyenas. On the approach of the hunters, they slowly moved away,
each laughing like a madman who has just committed some horrible
atrocity.

By the "spoors" seen upon the river-banks, it was evident that both
elephants and lions had visited the place during the night. While
making these and other reconnoissances, Groot Willem was joined by Hans,
who had already commenced his favourite study by making an examination
of the floral treasures in his immediate locality. Arriving up with
Groot Willem, the attention of Hans was at once directed to an
examination of the antelopes, which he pronounced to be elands, but
believed them to be of a new and undescribed variety of this animal.
They were elands; but each was marked with small white stripes across
the body, in this respect resembling "koodoos."

After a short examination of the spoor, Congo asserted that a troop of
elands had first visited the watering-place, and that while they were
there four bull elephants, also in search of water, had charged with
great speed upon the antelopes. Three or four lions had also joined in
the strife, in which the only victims had been the unfortunate elands.

"I think we are in a place where we had better make a regular enclosure,
and stop for a few days," suggested Groot Willem, on his return to the
camp. "There is plenty of feed for the horses, and we have proof that
the `drift' where