ot,
and was soon by his side, when, pointing to the ox about half a mile
away, he tried to make Willem understand that that animal had carried
him unwillingly away from his friend.

Perceiving all danger was over, the others came up; when, by signs, the
big hunter gave them to understand that he wanted the hide taken off the
leopard. The four attendants went to work with their short assagais, in
a manner that told him he would not have long to wait for a beautiful
leopard skin, as a trophy of his victory, as also a memento of the
danger through which he had passed.

He himself turned his attention to the wounded dog, which was still
moaning on the ground, and looking at him with an expression that seemed
to say, "Why do you not first come and assist me."

Poor Smoke had sacrificed his own life to save that of his master. The
creature's back was broken, and it was otherwise severely injured. It
was evident that nothing could be done for it. The dog must die, and
the great heart of Groot Willem was sorely afflicted.

Turning to Macora, he observed that the chief had reloaded his musket.
Willem pointed to the dog's head and then to the gun.

The chief took the hint and raised the weapon to his shoulder.

Groot Willem turned away with his eyes full of tears, and went off in
pursuit of his horse.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

THE LAGOON.

On returning to the camp, they found that Hendrik and Arend had been
successful in their chase of the antelopes, and the greater part of two
were cooking over a large fire.

A quantity of felled timber had been brought to the ground for
construction of the kraal, and the work of building it had already
commenced.

For the labour of his followers Macora would accept nothing but a small
quantity of coffee, a bottle of Schiedam and some tobacco, and in the
evening he took his departure, after seeing his friends safely
established in their camp.

Three of his people were left with the hunters, with orders to make
themselves useful in whatever way they could be employed. This addition
to the company was, however, a source of great annoyance to the Bushman.
Any communication made to them required the assistance of his rival,
Congo.

Congo had others under him,--people to whom he gave instructions and
commands. Swartboy had not, and was, therefore, very discontented with
the arrangements.

"You and I must do something to-day," said Arend to Hendrik, as they
were eating their fi