anions at the same
rapid pace.

"At all events, we shall know where to find them," said the Major,
laughing: "well, I really so felt for the poor animals that I am as
happy as if I was as thirsty as they are, and was now quenching my
thirst. It's almost daylight."

As the day dawned, they continued to advance in the direction that the
animals had taken, and they then distinguished the trees that bordered
the river, which was about two miles distant. As soon as it was broad
daylight, they perceived that the whole landscape had changed in
appearance. Even where they were walking there was herbage, and near to
the river it appeared most luxuriant. Tall mimosa-trees were to be seen
in every direction, and in the distance large forests of timber. All was
verdant and green, and appeared to them as a paradise after the desert
in which they had been wandering on the evening before. As they arrived
at the river's banks, they were saluted with the lively notes of the
birds hymning forth their morning praise, and found the cattle, after
slaking their thirst, were now quietly feeding upon the luxuriant grass
which surrounded them.

"Well may the Psalmist and prophets talk of the beauty of flowing
rivers," said Alexander; "now we feel the truth and beauty of the
language; one would almost imagine that the sacred writings were indited
in these wilds."

"If not in these, they certainly were in the Eastern countries, which
assimilate strongly with them," said Swinton; "but, as you truly say, it
is only by having passed through the country that you can fully
appreciate their beauties. We never know the real value of any thing
till we have felt what it is to be deprived of it; and in a temperate
climate, with a pump in every house, people can not truly estimate the
value of 'flowing rivers.'"

The Hottentots having now arrived, the cattle were driven back to the
wagons and yoked, that they might be brought up to a spot which had been
selected for their encampment. In the mean time our travelers, who were
tired with their night's walk, lay down under a large mimosa-tree, close
to the banks of the river.

"We shall stay here a day or two, of course," said the Major.

"Yes, for the sake of the cattle; the poor creatures deserve a couple of
days' rest."

"Do you observe how the mimosas are torn up on the other side of the
river?" said Swinton; "the elephants have been very numerous there
lately."

"Why do they tear the trees up?