dly; but without molestation from man or beast our little
party toiled on painfully until dawn.

They carried Melton every step of the way, and when they halted in a
glade close to a pool, he was sleeping soundly.

Either the fresh water or the long rest had helped him, for when night
came again he was able to walk, and day by day he grew better.

For three nights they journeyed to the southward, sleeping all day in
secluded spots.

The wisdom of night travel was plainly seen, for they often discovered
camp fires gleaming on each side of them, and on one occasion nearly ran
into a wandering group of Gallas, while from their hiding place during
the day they saw caravans and hordes of natives journeying to and fro.

The night had its disadvantages too, for twice they were attacked by
howling animals, and on one occasion had to climb trees while a herd of
elephants went trumpeting past. Fortunately, more dangerous beasts kept
their distance.

The third night's journey led them through a most unusually rich and
fertile country, miles of mellow pasturage watered by many streams, bits
of forest land, and meadows clumped with bushes and patches of trees,
while on both sides were the dark profiles of huge mountains.

That day they slept on the side of a hill among great rocks, and when
they were preparing to start at sundown, Canaris said briefly:

"We ought to reach our journey's end before morning."

Of the stores they had brought along there now remained but a handful of
crumbs. Guy was deeply concerned over the question of supplies for their
voyage in case the underground river was discovered, but Canaris bade
him not to worry until the time came.

With feelings which it would be difficult to describe, they resumed
their night-march. An unknown future, full of terrors and fears, yawned
before them.

It is hard to say what guided Canaris in the direction he took. He had
once been over the ground, but it was scarcely possible that he could
remember the read so well. He strode on full of confidence, however, his
rifle over his shoulder and his revolver ready for use in his right
hand. Guy and Melton followed behind in single file.

They made slow progress, for Canaris led them in among mountain gorges,
and they were compelled to ford streams and clamber painfully over big
stones.

At last they emerged again on more open ground and traveled through
patches of waving grass and scrub, keeping parallel all the while