o rescue would have been engaged with their enemies without the
advantage of a position favourable for defence.

The result was that, instead of encountering a small band of outcast and
wearied Makololo, Moselekatse's men found themselves opposed by a large
force of warriors fresh and vigorous for any fray,--men who had often
been led to victory by the noble chief Sebituane.

Moselekatse's soldiers saw that there was but one way of saving
themselves from the disgrace that threatened them; that was by a sudden
change in the tactics they had been hitherto pursuing. They resolved on
an immediate onslaught.

They made it, only to be repulsed.

After a short conflict they were completely routed, and retreated in a
manner that plainly expressed their intention to discontinue the
campaign.

From that hour the young hunters never heard of them again.

Three days after the retreat of the Matabili our adventurers were
introduced at the court of Ma-Mochisane by Macora, who made formal
declaration of his fidelity to his new sovereign.

On the return of the chief from his long exile he was enthusiastically
received by his countrymen,--the more as from his having incurred the
resentment of the Matabili.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

A TALK ABOUT HOME.

"I have a favour to ask of you, my friends," said Hendrik, the day after
they had been introduced at court. "I want a little information, if
either of you can give it."

"Very well," said Willem; "I, for one, will do all in my power to
instruct you. What do you wish to know?"

"If we are to stay in this part of the world any longer," continued
Hendrik, "I wish some one to give me a good reason for our doing so. I
am ready to return home."

"And so am I," said Arend.

"And I also," added Hans. "The last three or four weeks have given me
quite enough of hunting giraffes, or anything else. We have been hunted
too much ourselves."

"I'm sorry to hear you talking in this way," said Groot Willem, "for _I_
am not ready to return yet. We have not accomplished the purpose for
which we set forth."

"True," replied Hendrik, "and I believe we never shall."

"Why do you think so?" asked Willem, with a look of surprise.

"Tell me why I should _not_ think so," answered Hendrik. "To begin with
general principles, people are rarely successful in every undertaking in
life. We have been fortunate on our two former expeditions, and we have
no great cause to complain should w