all sprang up and ran towards the spot whence the sound came, just in
time to see a panther bounding away with one of the dogs. A terrific
yell of rage burst from every one, and each hastily threw something or
other at the bold intruder. Pearson flung his knife and fork at it,
having forgotten to drop those light weapons when he leaped up. The
major hurled after it a heavy mass of firewood. Hardy and Hicks flung
the huge marrow bones with which they happened to be engaged at the
time. Tom Brown swung a large axe after it, and Wilkins, in
desperation, shied his cap at it! But all missed their mark, and the
panther would certainly have carried off his prize had not a very tall
and powerfully-built Caffre, named Mafuta, darted at it an assegai, or
long native spear, which, wounding it slightly, caused it to drop its
prey.

The poor dog was severely hurt about the neck; it recovered, however,
soon afterwards. The same night on which this occurred, one of the oxen
was killed by a lion, but although all the people were more or less on
the alert, the monarch of the woods escaped unpunished.

At an early hour next morning the train of wagons got into motion, and
the hunters went out to their usual occupation.

CHAPTER FOUR.

TOM SEES WONDERFUL SIGHTS, AND AT LAST HAS HIS DREAMS FULFILLED.

Thus the travellers advanced day by day--sometimes in sunshine,
sometimes in rain, now successful in hunting and now unsuccessful--until
they reached the Zulu country and the banks of the river Umveloose.

Here they called a halt for a time, and began to hunt vigorously in all
directions, aiming at every species of game. Our hero's first
introduction to the river scenery was interesting, to himself at least,
and singular. Having placed himself at the disposal of his friends to
be appointed to whatever duty they pleased, he was sent off in the small
boat belonging to the party with plenty of ammunition and provisions;
Lieutenant Wilkins being his companion, and the tall Caffre, Mafuta, his
guide and instructor in African warfare against the brute creation.

Between Tom Brown and this man Mafuta there had sprung up a species of
friendship, which grew stronger the more they became acquainted with
each other. Mafuta was an unusually honest, affectionate and
straightforward Caffre, who had been much in the settlements, and could
speak a little English. He first drew forth our hero's regard by
nursing him with almost womanly