is dead also. We must on again. Surely they cannot have
found the other casks.

"17th. I am alone. The others are all dead all. We tried the water in
the other casks by giving some first to the camels. It had all been
poisoned. They are following us too, but too far off to shoot them.
Gert went mad and drank the water it was so bright and clear. Each time
we hoped they might not have found the next cask; but so far they have
found them all. There are three more. The young German turned back to
die fighting the black devils. We heard him shooting for a long time,
but he must be dead too. The Arab was missing in the night. He too had
gone back. . . . We have dragged on till within eighteen hours of the
coast, but I can go no further. When the lieutenant and I dug up the
last cask we cast lots as to who should try it. It fell to him. I
wished him to sip it only, but once his lips were wet I could not tear
him away. . . . He cursed me as he died. ... I have all the diamonds
now and would give them all for a drink of pure water. . . . Surely
they cannot have found the other casks. I will win through yet. It is
but six hours to the next cask.

"Another cask but I dare not. It is bright and cool and clear; but so
were the others! And yet I am dying of thirst. I can go no further. . . .
They are creeping nearer. They know my rifle has gone, and I know
that if I do not drink they will shoot me as they did that other man
through the back with a poisoned arrow. But I will not wait for that.
This water looks so cool and clear, surely . . ."

The diary ends abruptly, A week later the engineer and skipper of the
little tug, venturing across the sands in the hope of meeting the party
returning, found Halloran's body by the side of the water-cask. Near by
lay the fatal pocket-book. But the diamonds had gone.

"THE DRINK OF THE DEAD"

A LEGEND OF BUSHMANLAND

This tale was told me over a camp-fire in lonely Bushmanland.

A wild and desolate land it is, but little known except to the
occasional nomad "trek-boer," who in the seasons when rain has made it
possible wanders from water-hole to water-hole with his scanty flocks
and herds; or to the mounted trooper on his long and lonely patrol; or
the even more infrequent prospector in his search for the mineral
wealth that abounds in the district, but which scarcity of water and
cost of transport have so far rendered useless. A land with a character
all its own of wide stretch