reated
a smile on the faces of his listeners; but with this proof of his
eloquence Swartboy seemed quite satisfied.

On their arrival at Macora's new settlement, the chief expressed much
regret at the failure of their expedition, but could give Willem but
little or no hope that there was other chance of success, at least for
some time to come.

Camelopards, he said, often migrated from one district to another,
travelling for several days at a time, and often going thirty or forty
miles a day. A drove containing young ones, such as were required,
might not be seen in the neighbourhood for several weeks. He still
promised to render all the assistance himself and tribe were capable of
affording.

Willem might have remained to try another trap, but the voice of his
companions was in favour of at once setting out for Graaf Reinet. This
soon became too emphatic for him to resist, and the great hunter had to
yield. A sort of compromise was, however, agreed upon, which was that
they should go home, not on a direct course for Graaf Reinet, but
through the country of the Bechuanas,--crossing some districts inhabited
by the Bushmen. Thence they could turn eastward and homeward.

In this journey Willem promised to cause them no unnecessary delay; and
his companions agreed to do their best in aiding him to accomplish his
cherished purpose.

In Macora's tribe were four young men who had a strong desire to visit
the white settlements, and learn something more of the customs of a
civilised people than could be gathered from occasional hunters and
traders. These young men were furnished by their friends with an outfit
of oxen, and some merchandise in the shape of leopard skins,
ostrich-feathers, and ivory. They were instructed by Macora to render
all the assistance they could to his friend Willem and his young
associates.

On leaving, the hunters were escorted by the chief and other leading men
of the tribe for a distance of several miles. At parting with these,
our adventurers had every reason to know that they were taking leave of
true friends.

The chief and Sindo were nearly disconsolate at the separation,
especially from Groot Willem, to whom both declared that they owed their
lives. Each promised sometime to pay him a visit in his far-away home.
The hunters started forth on their journey under the firm impression
that amongst the Makololo were men possessing almost every noble
attribute of human nature.

C