the giraffes, their remorse seemed as
if it would tempt them to suicide, and one of them, while tearing his
wool-covered head, kept repeating the word _kombi_, _kombi_!

Hans knew that this was the name of a virulent poison much in use
amongst the Makololo.

The four unfortunate men were willing to take upon themselves the whole
blame of allowing the giraffes to escape, and seemed grateful for the
mercy of being allowed to live any longer!

After the cattle and horses had been loaded, and all got ready for a
start, Congo expressed his determination to stay behind.

"What does this mean, Congo?" asked Hans. "Are you angry at what your
master said to you? You must forget that. He meant no harm. What do
you intend doing?"

"Don't know, baas Hans," gruffly answered Congo; "don't know nuffin'."

Believing that the Kaffir was only displeased with himself for his
conduct on the night before, and that he would soon recover from his
"miff," Hans made no attempt to dissuade him. Accompanied by Swartboy
and the Makololo he moved away, driving the cattle before them, and
leaving Congo and his dog behind.

He went in a southerly course, as the grass looked more tempting in that
direction. When about three miles from the house he came upon a grove
of trees, through which ran a little rivulet. On its bank he determined
to make camp, and await the return of his companion.

The manner in which he had left the boer had been rather sudden and
unceremonious, and, if called upon to give an explanation of it, only
some half-developed reasons would have presented themselves to his mind.
Of these, however, there were several. One was the desire of removing
the Makololo, now under his sole care, from the temptation of swallowing
any more "Cape Smoke."

This apprehension, however, was altogether groundless, and not even a
relief from aching heads and self-condemnation could have induced the
subjects of Macora to drink any more for the present.

Hans possessed a philosophic spirit, and, under most circumstances,
could wait patiently. Swartboy and the Makololo were in want of rest,
to enable them to recover from their last night's debauch. The cattle
and horses were in need of the grass that grew luxuriantly on the banks
of the stream. All, therefore, could pass the day with but little
inconvenience arising from the absence of the others.

As the night came on, the cattle were collected; and, availing
themselves of the hab