sense by remaining most of the time in quiet, the
hunters prepared to drive it to their camp.

Mounted on their horses, Arend and Hans each took the end of a rheim,
which was fastened midway to its neck. They intended to ride a little
in advance of the captive, keeping also some distance apart from each
other. This would hinder it from turning either to the right or left.
Hendrik was to come on behind and urge the creature forward, should it
show a disposition to try the strength of its neck by hanging back upon
the rheims.

This plan worked extremely well. The young captive was compelled to
follow the two horsemen in an undeviating line; and every attempt made
to remain stationary or go backwards was rewarded by a blow from
Hendrik's jambok. Then the strain on the ropes would instantly be
relieved by the animal springing forward. In this manner the creature
was conducted along without the slightest trouble; and near the middle
of the afternoon, they reached the place from whence they had started
out on the hunt.

On the ground they discovered their pack-saddles, cooking utensils, and
other impedimenta, but nothing was seen of Congo, Swartboy, the four
Makololo, or the cattle! All were away! Moreover, they had hopes of
meeting Groot Willem on their return, and were anticipating great
pleasure from the encounter. They knew how rejoiced he would be at
their success. But where were the camp followers? Where were Swartboy
and Congo?

There was a mystery in their absence that none of the three hunters
could solve.

Why had the property been left exposed by those placed in charge of it?
Could the Makololo have robbed them of their cattle? Had Congo and
Swartboy proved traitors? This was very improbable. But why were they
not there?

For some time our adventurers could do nothing but wait, in the hope
that time would explain all, and bring the absentees back.

Not an ox, horse, or dog was to be seen. The bundles of ivory,
enveloped in grass matting, were lying where they had been left in the
morning. If a robbery had been committed, why was this valuable
property left untouched?

As no one could make answer, the solution had to be left to time.

Evening came on, and the three hunters were still distracted by
conflicting hopes, fears, and doubts. The prolonged absence of Willem
now began to cause them a serious apprehension. It was time something
should be done towards finding him; but what were the