now
and then with water, and bathing his forehead. Still it was with the
greatest difficulty I could keep my eyes open. Sometimes I got up and
walked about in front of the hut, and threw a few more sticks on the
fire. I myself, it must be remembered, had scarcely recovered from my
illness. Having again made up the fire, increasing it to nearly double
the size, I once more sat down by Natty's side. I talked aloud, and
kept pinching myself, in the hope that by so doing I might keep awake.
But exhausted nature at length had its way--my head dropped on my bosom,
and I was asleep, so soundly indeed, that I doubt if the loudest noise
would have aroused me.

In spite of my intentions, I must have had some hours' sleep. I was
awaked by a bright light striking my eyes, and opening them, they were
dazzled by the almost horizontal rays of the rising sun coming across
the plain. My ears were assailed also by a loud barking and yelping,
and I saw close to me the pack of savage dogs which had paid me a visit
the night before, setting furiously on the body of their companion whom
I had shot. The light of the sun had awaked me in time, or they might
have made an attack on the hut before I was ready for their reception.
I let them devour their companion, which they speedily did, leaving not
a particle of skin or bone behind them; one running off with one piece,
and one with another. The remainder, disappointed of their share of the
prey, then turned their savage eyes towards me. Once more I shouted
loudly, and taking off my jacket, waved it at them. Again, to my
satisfaction, off the creatures scampered; and I hoped that I had seen
the last of them. They had not touched the bodies of their companions
bitten by the serpent, which had already become putrid. As I dragged
the carcases to a distance, I felt thankful that the dogs had visited
us, as, had they not come when they did, the snake might have found its
way to the hut, and bitten Natty or me. I could not tell its species,
but thought that it was probably the same which had made its appearance
on the island when we were escaping from the Pangwes.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

MY ADVENTURES WITH NATTY IN THE DESERT.

On re-entering the hut I found that Natty was still sleeping; but his
slumbers were greatly troubled, and he had evidently much fever on him.
Oh, how I wished that David had been with us; for, with all my anxiety,
I did not know how to treat him. One thing wa