ngo, we had better follow the spoor we made in coming
here?" he asked.

Again the Kaffir shook his head.

"You sooty idiot!" exclaimed the distracted questioner, "answer me in
some other way. No more wabbling of your head, or I'll break it for
you."

"I don't think at all now, baas Willem," said Congo. "My head feel too
big for the question you put 'um."

Hendrik was about to observe that there was a vast difference between
the Kaffir and his master, but, not wishing to vex the latter any more,
he proposed that something should be done besides talking.

"Hans," exclaimed Willem, "you stay here and look after our property.
All the others who wish it can come along with me; but whoever does must
get into his saddle in the shortest possible time. I'm off this instant
in search of the fugitives."

So saying, Groot Willem made a rush towards the shed under which his
horse had been stabled, and, putting on the saddle with his own hands,
he sprang into it and rode hastily away.

CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE.

THE LAST OF A FAMILY.

Hendrik and Arend, who had imitated his movements, alone followed Groot
Willem from the house. The boer, after promising so much, appeared so
dilatory in his preparations that no dependence could be placed on his
aid and the three hunters galloped off without waiting for any of the
farm, or any of his servants, of whom they had seen several. His excuse
for not making more haste to provide help was, that no one could tell
the direction in which the runaways had gone, and that to search for
them in the north, when the animals might have strayed south, was sheer
silliness.

Much to the surprise or all, Congo had stayed behind instead of
accompanying Groot Willem, according to universal custom. The Kaffir's
solicitude for the safety of his young master had been so great on all
former occasions, and he had shown such an unwillingness to be separated
from him, that his present behaviour was a surprise to everybody who
knew him. He was allowed to have his own will and way, for it was known
that any efforts at making him useful, by denying him this privilege,
would be of no avail. True and faithful as he had ever shown himself,
his actions were seldom controlled by the others.

"As soon as we get a mile or two away from the house," said Hendrik, "we
may be able to discover their tracks. It is no use our examining the
ground over which so many cattle have passed. But supposing we should
le