ed making
another attack. We waited anxiously till daybreak. On looking out, we
saw numerous blacks moving among the bushes. Then a large body
appeared, apparently assembling to hold a consultation. After a time
they separated, dividing into several small bodies. These marched
forward, and posted themselves at equal distances round the camp. It
was now clear that, having failed in their expectation of taking us by
surprise, they had resolved on starving us out. Fortunately they could
not interfere with our water, or they would have done so; indeed, they
might possibly not have been aware of the supply we were gradually
obtaining from the well.

The day passed away, but our pertinacious enemies made no signs of
moving. Of course they kept us on the alert all night, not knowing at
what moment they might again attack us. On the second day things began
to look serious; for though we had water, provisions were growing
scarce. Donald began to talk of cutting our way through the enemy; but
as they could assail us at their pleasure as we marched along, this
would have been a dangerous proceeding.

"It must be done," he said at last; "if we remain here another day we
shall starve, and it is better to run the risk of fighting than to do
that."

We had at length obtained a sufficient supply of water for the cattle,
and had we been unmolested, we might now with confidence proceed on to
the next fountain, after which Donald hoped to find each day a
sufficient supply of water. Stanley however proposed, instead of
risking an attack while moving on, to sally out with horse and foot and
drive the enemy away. He, with Senhor Silva and Donald, were to form
the cavalry, and I was to lead a party of infantry, consisting of Jack,
Chickango, Igubo and his two sons, and four of Donald's Hottentots.

"We must go too, then!" exclaimed Leo, when he heard the proposal.

"No," answered Stanley. "I have no doubt of your bravery, but you will
show it better by remaining to assist David and Timbo in garrisoning the
fort." After some hesitation Donald agreed to this plan.

At length, as evening drew on, the blacks appeared in greater numbers
than before. Instead of allowing them to approach, however, we opened a
warm fire upon them, when even at a considerable distance. This seemed
to astonish them, as probably they were not aware that our bullets would
reach so far, and once more they retreated under cover. Scarcely had
they go