me in
time to save him, for it was evident that he would not have survived
many hours lying out on the exposed plain. I was now doubtful whether
we should proceed on in the same course we had been steering, or turn
away to the west in search of Kabomba, where, I felt sure, he would be
well taken care of. I should have to go there at all events for Natty,
even if we could gain certain tidings that our friends were further
south. Presently Leo's lips moved, and I heard him whispering, "On! on
as before! You will find them, I am sure!" This decided me. Still, I
resolved to rest at the nearest wood we could reach. I was thankful
when at length we arrived at one--a little oasis in the desert. What
was still more satisfactory, within it appeared a small pool, a bright
stream rushing out of the bank on its side. We had tethered the ox.
While Mango sat by Leo's side bathing his temples and wetting his lips,
I was busily employed in collecting wood for our hut. Suddenly the
sound of animals rushing across the plain reached my ears. I looked up,
and saw a troop of giraffes galloping at full speed, and, closely
following them, two horsemen. On they dashed! Shouting at the top of
my voice, I called again and again. I rushed to the ox, in the vain
hope of overtaking them. Even at that distance I fancied I recognised
Stanley, though his companion's figure I did not know. Just as I was
about to mount, there came tearing after them, as if in pursuit, a large
herd of buffaloes, among which appeared several huge rhinoceroses. It
seemed as if they were in pursuit of the horsemen. Another herd of
buffaloes came out of the wood opposite, and stopping, gazed a few
moments before joining the chase. The whole passed by like creatures in
a dream. I saw at once that it would be impossible to catch up the
horsemen; besides which, I should have run a great chance of being gored
to death by the rhinoceroses or buffaloes. On they went, tearing across
the plain. Poor Leo lifted up his head.

Just then Mango called to me. "He say he sure dey're friends," said
Mango. "We go after dem."

"Not just yet," I answered; "but it is a great satisfaction to have seen
them, for it shows that they must be encamped not far off, though in
which direction it is hard to say."

Had I been alone, I should certainly have followed; but it would have
killed Leo to move. I therefore remained encamped, hoping that he would
soon be sufficiently re