d his botanic researches in that direction.
His desire to make his new excursion amid the African wilds is no
stronger than that of "Groot Willem" Van Wyk, who ever since his return
from the last expedition, six months before, has been anxious to
undertake another in quest of game such as he has not yet encountered.

Our readers will search in vain around the camp-fire for little Jan and
Klaas. Their parents would not consent to their going so far from home,
on an excursion promising so many hardships and so much danger.
Besides, it was necessary that they should become something better than
mere _Bush-Boys_, by spending a few years at school.

The two young cornets, Hendrik Von Bloom and Arend Van Wyk, each
endeavouring to wear the appearance of old warriors, are present in the
camp. Although both are passionately fond of a sportsman's life, each,
for certain reasons, had refrained from urging the necessity or
advantage of the present expedition.

They would have preferred remaining at home and trying to find amusement
during the day with the inferior game to be found near Graaf Reinet,--
not that they fear danger or were in any way entitled to the appellation
of "cockney sportsmen"; but home has an attraction for them that the
love of adventure cannot wholly eradicate.

Hendrik Von Bloom could have stayed very happily at home. The
excitement of the chase, which on former occasions he had so much
enjoyed, now no longer attracts him half so much as the smiles of
Wilhelmina Van Wyk, the only sister of his friends Groot Willem and
Arend.

The latter young gentleman would not have travelled far from the daily
society of little Truey Von Bloom, had he been left to his own
inclinations. But Willem and Hans had determined upon seeking
adventures farther to the north than any place they had yet visited; and
hence the present expedition.

The promise of sport and rare adventures, added to the fear of ridicule
should they remain at home, influenced Hendrik and Arend to accompany
the great hunter and the naturalist to the banks of the Limpopo.

Seated near the fire are two other individuals, whom the readers of _The
Young Yagers_ will recognise as old acquaintances. One is the short,
stout, heavy-headed Bushman, Swartboy, who could not have been coaxed to
remain behind while his young masters Hans and Hendrik were out in
search of adventures.

The other personage not mentioned by name is Congo, the Kaffir.

The Li