had such a splendid dinner yesterday off
the eland."

Next morning, upon their visit to the ostrich-pens, Emson's face
brightened, for there was excitement among the birds, the great hen
having hatched every egg of those they had brought home in the net; and
for the next few days everything possible was done in the way of
feeding, so as to help the young brood on into a state of strength.

"Oh, it's all right, Joe," said Dyke; "all we've got to do is to keep on
scouring the plain and finding nests. We shall succeed after all."

"Yes, but you must scout off after some meal and coffee; we can't get on
without those."

"And sugar."

"And sugar. What do you say to starting to-morrow?"

"I'm ready," said Dyke; and after warning Jack, and making the necessary
preparations over night, they sought their couches, and rose before
daybreak to go and rouse up the Kaffir and his wife.

The latter soon had her fire glowing; Jack grumpily fetched water, and
then proceeded to yoke the bullocks to the wagon, after which he settled
down to his breakfast; and after feeding his stock, Emson mounted his
horse to ride a few miles with his brother, both keeping a sharp lookout
for game; while Duke, who was of the party, kept on hunting through the
hushes, and now and then starting a bird.

It was getting toward mid-day before anything was shot, and then another
little springbok fell to Emson's piece, just as they reached the water
where they were to make their first halt.

The buck was divided, part to go back to Kopfontein and some to form
part of Dyke's provision, while another portion was cooked at once and
eaten.

"There," said Emson at last, "I don't think I need say any more to you,
old fellow. Jack knows the way well enough. Set him to drive the
bullocks, and you ride beside and drive him. Keep a tight rein, and if
he shows his teeth and isn't obedient, tell him you'll shoot him, and
take aim at once, or he won't believe you."

"Rather sharp practice, Joe, isn't it?"

"Not with a man like that. He'll be ready to play upon you in every
way, and you must let him see that you do not mean to be imposed upon.
Sounds harsh, but I know Master Jack by heart."

"You do think he'll take me straight to all the water?"

"I haven't a doubt about it, old fellow," said Emson, smiling. "Jack
isn't an ostrich, and must drink at least once a day, so you need not be
nervous about that.--There," he continued, mounting; "I must be o