turned the bullocks into a meadow-like opening, whose fresh
herbage, sparkling still with clinging raindrops, set the animals lowing
with satisfaction before stooping from time to time to snatch a mouthful
of the grass.

Jack evidently thought it would be a splendid place for a camp, and
without waiting for orders, shouted to the bullocks to stop, and
descending from his seat, after laying aside his whip, began to outspan.

Dyke took in every action, knowing that it was only an endorsement of
his own thoughts that the full river meant in all probability a halt for
days. There was the possibility of his being able to swim his horse
across somewhere higher up or lower down; but after a few minutes'
inspection he felt that this was quite hopeless, though, even if it had
been practicable, he knew that he could not leave his charge.

So vexatious when so near home!

"Might have known," he said to himself bitterly. "Everything was going
on too easily. But the rain might have stopped for another day or two."

He tried hard to be philosophic and to take matters calmly, but it was
too hard work, especially, too, when the Kaffir seemed in such high
glee, and bustled about the outspanning, as if looking forward to some
days of rest, with nothing to do but eat and sleep.

The boy thought hard as he dismounted, hobbled his cob, and let him
begin to graze in company with the draught oxen; but he soon gave that
up, and went and stood watching the rushing river, knowing full well
that he was completely shut away from Kopfontein, and that he could do
nothing but wait patiently till the river sank to its old level.

"And that," he said dismally, "will be quite a week."

Things might have been worse. In fact, some people would have been
delighted with the position. For the spot was beautiful; the wagon
formed a comfortable sleeping tent, provisions and water were plentiful,
and there was ample opportunity for adding to the larder by tying in
wait at early morning and late evening for the birds and animals which
came from far out in the desert to drink.

In fact, during his dreary wait, Dyke tried to amuse himself by watching
the various animals that came down one deeply trampled track, on either
side of which the place was thickly bushed and dotted with fine forest
trees, well grown, from their nearness to water.

Antelopes of many kinds came down, from tiny gazelles up to the great
eland. One morning he was delighted by t