nd I think we have been very fortunate to meet a gentleman who was well
acquainted with the ways of the settlers here, for he has given me some
very good hints, and in addition promised to have a guide found who was
hanging about the camp and is now waiting here after being up the
country with a hunting party who left for Beira about a fortnight ago.
He is one of the Illakas, Sir James," continued the doctor, "and it
seems that he has been expelled from his tribe for being friendly to the
English."

"Quite a savage, then," said Sir James.

"Oh, yes; I suppose he is a pure-blooded black, and knows the country
well. Let me see, we must turn down in this direction, I think. Yes--
pass that corrugated iron shed-like house--to be sure, that's it--and
there's the man the ponies belong to."

He nodded in the direction of a little keen-looking man who appeared
rather mushroom-like, thanks to the well-worn, broad-leafed felt hat he
wore. He was leaning over a rough enclosure in which four ponies were
browsing, and keenly watching the approaching party as he smoked.

As soon as he realised that they were coming in his direction he took
his pipe from his mouth, tapped the ashes out upon a post, took off his
hat and stuck the short pipe in the band.

"Come to have a look at the ponies, gentlemen?" he said.

"Yes," said Sir James; "I want my son and nephew to have a look at them
and try them."

"I see," said the man, scanning the boys attentively. "My man isn't
here. Like them saddled and bridled?"

Sir James looked at the two boys, as the man continued, "Can the young
gentlemen ride?"

He glanced at the doctor as he spoke.

"Yes," said the latter quietly; "after our fashion in England. Well
broken horses. But they can't ride wild beasts."

"Well, no, captain; nobody expects that; but I shall have to keep you
waiting a bit while I have my man found, and send him to borrow a saddle
and bridle. I have only got two, and one of the officers from up at the
barracks and his friend have got them for the day. I have plenty of
halters, and I can clap a rug on one of the ponies. What do you say to
that, young gentlemen?"

"I'd rather have one without the rug," said Mark, "if they are quiet."

"Quiet as lambs, sir, as long as you don't play any larks with them."

"Oh, we shan't play any tricks," said Mark.

"That's right, sir. Out here we like to treat a pony well. They are
scarce, and worth their money. I am afr