ing for it but to look out for some
halting-place with cover and feed for the ponies.

"We can't keep on without giving them a rest," said Ingleborough; "for
we may have to ride all day to-morrow."

"What?" cried West. "You surely don't think we're so far off still?"

"I don't know anything, lad," replied Ingleborough; "for, as I said
before, the country is so big, and it is quite possible that we may have
two or three days' journey before us yet."

"But food--rest?" faltered West.

"My eyes are wandering everywhere in search of food," replied
Ingleborough, "and I keep on hoping to come upon a farmhouse somewhere
in sight. That will mean food, either given, bought, or taken by
threatening with our rifles. As to the rest, we'll have that when we
get into Kimberley."

Night fell without a sign of spruit, pool, or farm; but it was a bright,
clear time, with the stars giving them sufficient light to keep on in
the hope that was growing desperate that they must soon come upon some
stream. But they hoped in vain, and the ponies at last began to grow
sluggish and indisposed to proceed whenever some patch of bush was
reached in the midst of the dried-up expanse.

"There, it's of no use," said Ingleborough; "we may as well let the poor
brutes browse upon such green shoots as they can find! They'll be all
the fresher for the halt. As for us, we must feed upon hope and the
remembrance of the good things we have had in the past."

"Don't let's give up yet!" replied West. "It is cool travelling, and
every mile brings us nearer to safety."

"Very well; but we shall find it hard work to get the ponies along."

So they rode on, with their mounts growing more and more sluggish for a
while, and then West suddenly uttered an exclamation.

"What is it?" cried Ingleborough. "Your nag?"

"Yes; he has suddenly begun to step out briskly."

"So has mine," said Ingleborough. "It's all right. Give yours his
head--they sniff water. I half fancy I can smell it myself; the air
comes so cool and moist."

Just then one of the ponies snorted, and the pair broke into a canter
which lasted for about a quarter of a mile, when they dropped into a
walk, for the ground was encumbered with stones; but almost directly a
pleasant refreshing odour of moist greenery saluted the riders'
nostrils, and then the ground was soft and yielding beneath the ponies'
hoofs, then rough and gravelly, and the next minute the riders were
gazing down