l-men, made the
actual number up to eight. Each was well armed, for Halloran, though he
hoped to get the diamonds without violence, had a notion that in an
extreme case a good deal could be done by eight determined men armed
with Mausers and with plenty of ammunition. The tug with its crew of
six men was to remain anchored in the little cove, keeping a sharp
look-out shorewards. Halloran had chosen his time well. The windy
season was at an end and there was no great probability of the much-
dreaded sandstorms arising. The moon was nearly at its full and they
would thus be able to keep a sharp look-out at night, and travel if
they wished to. Five of the camels were laden with water casks, which
were to be buried at intervals along the route, accurate bearings of
each spot to be taken, and thus a safe line of retreat would be
provided should such prove necessary. Speed was unnecessary on the
outward journey, and the party walked, the sixth camel carrying their
stores, ammunition, and a large assortment of Manchester trading goods
likely to appeal to the aesthetic taste of the Bushmen. And so one
evening as the last flaming rays of the setting sun were being
vanquished by the soft moonlight, the venturesome party waved farewell
to the watchers on the little tug and started on their journey over the
seemingly illimitable sand-dunes. They trekked in single file and by
the aid of the stars and a compass easily kept their eastward course.
The murmur of the surf grew fainter and fainter until not a sound broke
the stillness, the soft footfall of the camels being inaudible even to
the men who led them. Halloran had enjoined silence for some reason,
and he stopped his brother irritably when that usually irrepressible
youth started to whistle feebly. With an occasional rest the expedition
made slow but certain headway during the night, halting for the day
when the rapidly brightening east warned them that old Sol would soon
have to be reckoned with. A barrel of water was buried in the sand, a
bamboo brought for the purpose being planted upright near the spot, and
after a hasty breakfast the tired men were soon asleep under a light
awning carried for the purpose; one man, however, being constantly on
watch. By noon the heat had become intolerable. Roasting in the sun
seemed preferable to stewing under the canvas, and by three o'clock the
party were on their way again. They rested at midnight, and rested
better. The fourth night foun