while the two lads made for where their elders were
discussing what had taken place.

"Well, boys, this is unfortunate," said Sir James, "for, as the doctor
says, we wanted to keep on the best of terms with these people."

"I could not help it, father; I was obliged to do something. You don't
think I ought to have let them do as they liked with us?"

"Most certainly not," said his father. "I think you both behaved very
well; but it is unfortunate, all the same. One thing is evident--we
have been too easy, and I am afraid they will take it for granted that
we were afraid of them. The doctor would be most unwilling to make a
move from here."

"Oh, yes," said that gentleman. "I looked forward to our making endless
discoveries here and in the neighbourhood, and I must say again that it
would be a thousand pities to give up."

"I agree with you," said Sir James, "and the boys don't want us to make
a move."

"Oh, no!" they exclaimed, in a breath. "Well, it is very unlucky, and
we shall be driven to give them a severe lesson."

"Well, you have, father," said Mark. "And it is very easy to drive them
away, uncle."

"Yes," put in the doctor, "once or twice; but I am afraid we have come
to the end of friendly feeling, and this cannot be resumed. There must
be no more coming into the camp, Sir James."

"Certainly not. They must be taught to keep outside, without violence
if we can manage it--if not, with."

During the next few days the blacks kept aloof, and it almost seemed as
if they had been too much alarmed by the falling stones to come near.

"Yes," said the doctor, "they must have thought that we could start the
old buildings to crumble about their ears, for they have been too much
accustomed to the effects of rifles to be frightened by them so long as
nobody falls. And I suppose if later on we are obliged to use small
shot, those will only scare them for a time."

"Yes, it's a most unfortunate business, and I almost think that we had
better go farther afield," said Sir James.

"And fare worse, father," said Mark.

"Perhaps," said his father, smiling. "But there, we will hold out for
the present, and see what time brings forth."

"Perhaps it will be all for the best," said Mark. "If they had not been
checked there's no knowing what they might have taken next."

CHAPTER FORTY.

IN THE NIGHT WATCH.

"It's of no use; I can't go to sleep," said Mark to himself, as he lay
gazing out through t