ent back to the river to
communicate this intelligence to the main body, while the others
searched about in every direction. Alexander, with the Major and their
party, remained where they were, as it was their intention to cross
through the wood, until they came to the open ground, about a quarter of
a mile to the southward, and then show themselves to the enemy, before
they went off to join the waggons.

In a few minutes it was daylight, and they now perceived that the whole
body of the Matabili were crossing the river.

"They intend to pursue us, then," said Alexander.

Omrah now pointed to the side of the river, in the direction which the
waggons had travelled when they came up by its banks, saying, "When go
away--ride that way first--same track waggon go that way back--same way
waggon come."

"The boy is right," said the Major; "when we start from the wood, we
will keep by the river-side, in the track by which the waggons came; and
when we are concealed from them by the hills or trees, we will then
start off to the southward after the waggons."

"I see," replied Alexander; "they will probably take the marks of the
waggon-wheels coming here, for those of the waggons going away, and will
follow them; presuming, as we go that way, that our waggons have gone
also. But here they come up the banks; it is time for us to be off."

"Quite time," said the Major; "so now let us show ourselves, and then
trust to our heels."

The Matabili force was now within four hundred yards of the camp. It
was broad daylight; and, with their white and red shields and short
spears in their hands, they presented a very formidable appearance.

There was no time to be lost, so the party rode out of the end of the
wood nearest the river, and, as soon as they made their appearance, were
received by a yell from the warriors, who dashed forward in the
direction where they stood. The Major had directed that no one should
fire, as he and Alexander did not wish that any blood should be shed
unnecessarily. They therefore waved their hands, and turning their
horses' heads galloped off by the banks of the river, keeping in the
tracks made by the waggons when they came up.

As soon as they had galloped a quarter of a mile, they pulled up, and
turned their horses' heads to reconnoitre. They perceived that the
Matabili force was pursuing them at the utmost speed: but as they had no
horsemen, that speed was of course insufficient to overtake t