but they're more like big Saint Bernard pups
than kittens."

"Let us talk about our future, boy," said Emson rather sternly. "I was
thinking bitterly of our prospects when I was sickening for this fever,
and I have thought more about them since I have been lying here
helpless; and as soon as I can get about, we must prepare for going
home."

"Beaten! Go home, and say: `It's of no use, father; we're a poor,
helpless pair.'"

"We must accept the inevitable, little un."

"There isn't any inevitable when you're my age, Joe. One always used to
feel on a bad day that sooner or later the fish would begin to bite."

"Yes, but we used to change to another place."

"Sometimes. Well, let's change to another place, then. But it would be
a pity. We've got never-failing water here, and even if the lions and
baboons do come sometimes, it's a capital place. I say, Joe, have
another try."

"You've quite changed your tune, old fellow," said Emson mournfully.
"Do you remember?"

"Why, of course. What fellow doesn't remember what a donkey he has
been? I've often thought of it while you were ill, Joe, and of what a
nuisance I must have been while you were so patient. And I said to
myself--There, never mind that--I say, Joe, do you really mean for us to
go back beaten?"

"Yes."

"Not have one more try!"

"No: I am too much broken down."

"But I'm not. I'm getting full of pluck and work now, and I'll do
anything to keep things going till you come round."

Emson shook his head sadly.

"I say it is of no use, my lad; we are trying an impossibility."

"Then let's try something else. What do you think old Morgenstern
said?"

"That we were wasting time over the ostriches."

"Well, yes, he did say that. But he said something else."

"Yes? What?"

"That he heard they were finding diamonds out on the veldt, and that he
should advise you to have a good try."

"Moonshine, boy. The other day it was gold. Do you think we should be
wise in spending our days hunting for diamonds?"

Dyke scratched his ear, glanced at his brother, and then shook his head.

"Come, you are wise in that. Old Morgenstern is a good, honest, old
fellow, but it does not do to take anybody's advice on your own affairs,
about which you know best yourself. There, I must not talk any more;
but don't go dreaming about diamonds, little un. You and I did not come
out here to make a fortune, but to get a straightforward, honest
living."