intermediate link
between the antelope family and the bovine or ox, and they are very good
eating."

"Then, I wish we were able to go after them. They do not seem to be
afraid of us, but approach nearer at every gallop which they make."

"Yes, although shy, they have a great deal of curiosity," replied
Swinton. "Watch them now."

The animals bounded away again, as Swinton spoke, and then returned to
gaze upon the caravan, stirring up the dust with their hoofs, tossing
their manes, and lashing their sides with their long tails, as they
curvetted and shook their heads, sometimes stamping as if in defiance,
and then flying away like the wind, as if from fear.

"They are safe this time," observed Major Henderson; "but another day we
will try their mettle."

"You will find them fierce and dangerous when wounded, sir," said
Bremen, who had ridden up. "We are not many miles from the river, for
the cattle begin to sniff."

"I am delighted to hear you say so; for then there must be water near.
But the haze and glare together are so great that we can not distinguish
above two miles, if so much."

"No, sir," replied the Hottentot; "but I can see well enough to see
_them_" continued he, pointing with his finger to a rising ground about
a hundred yards off, on the right of them. "One, two, three--there are
five of them."

"What are they?" said the Major, looking in the direction pointed out.
"I see; they are lions."

"Yes, sir; but we must take no notice of them, and they will not annoy
us. They are not hungry."

"You are right," said Swinton, "we must go right on, neither stopping
nor hastening our speed. Let the driver look to the oxen; for, tired as
they are, the smell of the lions is sufficient to give them
ungovernable strength for the moment."

"Well," said the Major, "bring us our guns, Bremen. I am willing to
accept the armed neutrality, if they will consent to it."

The caravan passed on; the lions remaining crouched where they were,
eying them, it is true, but not rising from their beds. The oxen,
however, either through fear of the lions, or the scent of water near,
became more brisk in their motions, and in half an hour they perceived a
line of trees before them, which told them that they were near the bed
of the Nu Gariep or Cradock River.

The poor animals redoubled their exertions, and soon arrived at the
banks. Bremen had ridden forward and reported that there still was water
in the river, but only