any of you to return home, but I
did not like to come back without a couple of young giraffes. That was
all the difference between us." The others made no reply, but rode on
silently, thinking of the generosity of their gigantic companion.

On former expeditions our adventurers had been absent even a longer
time, but never did home seem so dear to them as now, and never did they
find on their return so warm a welcome as that extended to them now.

The two young ladies, Truey Von Bloom and Wilhelmina Van Wyk, were
delighted at again meeting with their lovers, and, what is more, were
honest enough to admit that such was the case.

Congo and Swartboy endeavoured to repay themselves for the hardships of
the past, by assuming grand airs over the other servants, domestics
belonging to their masters, as also by an unusual indulgence in eating,
drinking, and sleeping.

Groot Willem had still another journey to accomplish. It was to
accompany Hans to Cape Town on his intended trip to Europe, and to
deliver to the Dutch consul the captured camelopards. This journey,
however, was not undertaken until he had given himself, his horses, and
giraffes a month's rest.

During this time, the Makololo were treated with the greatest kindness
by all the household of the two families to which their young friends
belonged. Before returning to the north, each was presented with a
horse, a gun, and a suit of clothes; and several useful presents were
sent by Groot Willem to his generous friend and protector, Macora.

Previous to his departure for Europe, Hans desired to be present at two
important ceremonies that must sooner or later take place, and in which
the families of Von Bloom and Van Wyk were both more or less interested.
But Hans was impatient to set out on his intended tour, and Hendrik and
Arend were much pleased that such was the case. Under these
circumstances, Miss Truey and Miss Wilhelmina were prevailed upon to
appoint an early day for making the two cornets the happiest of men.

The day after the double marriage, Willem and Hans started for Cape
Town,--taking with them the giraffes and the ivory they had brought from
the north.

The animals that had cost so much time and toil in procuring were
delivered to the consul, and the bounty money handed over. The
camelopards became fellow-passengers of the young philosopher in his
voyage to Europe.

Willem parted with them and Hans as the ship was getting "under way,"