.

"There is but little fear of our encountering another fellow like the
one we have killed," he answered. "He was evidently a solitary beast,
by his savage disposition: and the chances are we shall get through
without further interruption. If not, we can but have another gallop
for it, Andrew. I rather enjoyed mine; though, to be sure, it was a
neck or nothing affair."

This was the chief difficulty we met on our journey. We formed our camp
at night, as we had proposed. With the aid of the dogs and the
watch-fires, we were uninterrupted, although the roars of lions were
heard in the distance, and we had visits from jackals and hyena-dogs,
who came prowling round, attracted by the scent of our roasting meat;
Stanley's unerring rifle supplying us amply with game. We had a
pleasant addition one day in a large bustard which he shot. Though very
abundant, the bird is shy, so that a good sportsman alone can hope to
kill it. It weighed about fifteen pounds. The flesh was very tender
and palatable, and we agreed that it was the best flavoured of the game
birds we had met with. After each day's journey, Timbo generally went
in search of small game or birds' eggs, of which he brought us a
plentiful supply; so that we lived in abundance.

At length we recognised the reed-covered habitations of our Kabomba
friends, the whole population apparently turning out to welcome us. The
chief men, and those who had accompanied Stanley to the camp, hurried
forward to grasp his hands, while the rest stood at a distance, gazing
at the strange animals which our horses appeared to them; indeed, those
only who had been to the camp had ever seen a horse before. Our first
inquiries were, of course, for Natty.

"Chief say better, but not like walk much," answered Timbo.

"Beg them to let me see him at once," I said, riding on.

It was difficult, however, to get through the dense mass who came to
shake our hands and embrace Timbo--a ceremony to which they knew we
objected. At length we reached the chief's house, at the entrance of
which Natty was standing. Poor fellow! he still looked very pale and
thin, and I was afraid from his appearance that his days were numbered.

"I shall get better now you have come for me," he said, looking up in my
face. "I have been so longing for your return, and began to dread that
some accident had happened. Do not be anxious about me, Andrew. I
know--I am sure I shall get better."

I trusted s