ted my horse, I agreeing to walk by his side.
The blacks having caught the horses, Timbo set off, leading Stanley's
steed, in order that David might ride back on it to his brother's
assistance. We then proceeded at a somewhat slower pace than before,
the bearers finding a great difference between my strongly-built cousin
and poor young Natty. As may be supposed, we kept a very strict watch
at night, lest we might be visited by another lion. Stanley did his
utmost to keep up his spirits; but from the fearful laceration he had
suffered, his nervous system was greatly shaken, and he often relapsed
into a state almost of unconsciousness. Natty, however, with the air
and exercise, recovered his strength, and every day looked better. I
was very thankful when, towards the end of the next day, I caught sight
of two objects moving over the plain towards us. Gradually, as they
approached, I made out two horsemen, and in a little time David and
Timbo galloped up to our camp. Timbo's anxiety about his master had
probably made him describe the wound as worse than it was, and David was
in a state of great agitation when he arrived. He, however, after
examining his brother's hurts, expressed a hope that they would soon get
well, and complimented me greatly on the way I had treated him. Still,
I was very glad that David had arrived; for, in consequence of the
constant state of stupor into which Stanley had fallen, I began to feel
very anxious about him.

We continued to travel on at a very slow pace, as Stanley could not bear
any shaking. Three days more therefore passed away before we came in
sight of the camp.

I had never before seen my cousin Kate so much out of spirits, and it
was not till two or three days after our arrival, when Stanley was found
to be progressing favourably, that she was at all herself again. To me,
however, she was always kind and gentle.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

HUNTING ADVENTURES--JOURNEY ACROSS THE DESERT.

In spite of Mr Donald Fraser's expostulations, Senhor Silva would not
consent to break up the camp till Stanley was in a fit state to travel.
The honest trader, however, had no cause to complain, for he was driving
a brisk trade, not only with our friends from Kabomba, but with the
people of a number of neighbouring villages. Some he visited in a light
cart, which accompanied the waggons, and a considerable number came to
us. We had not forgotten the elephant's tusks, which Timbo had