off," said David; "but we must not leave our
faithful Timbo behind."

"Well, if you will all go down to the boats, I will remain here and
bring him up as soon as he comes," said Natty. "We shall thus gain
time."

"No, no; I cannot let you do that," I said. "I will remain, and you
must go."

Natty, however, positively refused, and Stanley had to exert his
authority, as our leader, to make him accompany them. Very unwillingly,
he at length consented to do so, provided I promised, should Timbo not
appear in the course of an hour, to follow them. The matter was
arranged, and our party were taking up the loads they proposed to carry,
when Chickango made his appearance among us. His countenance expressed
alarm, and he was too much agitated to explain himself. At length
Senhor Silva understood him to say that, on looking towards the Bakeles
village, he had seen smoke ascending--that it grew thicker and thicker,
and then flames burst forth, and he was convinced the whole village was
on fire.

"Depend upon it, the Pangwes have done this," he observed; "and, flushed
with their victory, they will very soon march to attack us. We must
either prepare ourselves to stand a siege, or lose no time in escaping."

"Then let us at once commence our march," said the captain; "but,
Andrew, I do not like that you should run the risk of falling into the
hands of these savages, which you will do if you remain behind."

"I know my way down to the river so well," I answered, "that I can
easily join you should I see them approaching, and I will, meantime,
keep a look-out from the height above the fort. Depend upon it, they
have too much respect for our firearms to venture an attack, unless with
their whole body. At all events, some time must elapse before they can
be here. My only anxiety is about Timbo, should he have fallen into
their hands."

"You will promise, Andrew, not to remain more than an hour?" said Kate,
as she and Bella, each carrying a load proportionate to their strength,
went out of the fort. "We shall be very anxious till you join us."

I watched the party as they descended the hill. I did not think the
young ladies had much cause to regret leaving the place; but still they
turned a glance behind them, as if they were quitting it with sorrow.
Though difficulties and dangers might be before them, still I hoped that
they were on their way to a more civilised and healthy climate. In the
hurry of departure Chic