t first to move, but at length we got him to
walk along, though he appeared like a man in a dream,--not knowing what
he was doing. Jan assured us that he could find the way to the
water-hole, and we therefore proceeded in the direction he pointed out.
It was a question, however, whether we should remain to shoot there, or,
having supplied our bottles, return with our unfortunate companion to
the camp. As he seemed strong enough to carry the leopard-skin, we
replaced it on his shoulders. Every now and then he would attempt to
run; but the strap round his legs quickly brought him up. Our progress
was of course very slow, until at length the _vlei_ was reached. We
passed on our way several trees of considerable size overturned by
elephants; many of them being ten inches in diameter, it must have
required great strength to uproot them. Others were broken short off, a
little distance from the ground, by the elephants. This showed us that
the country was frequented by the animals, and that if we had patience
we might be able to shoot a number. While lying in ambush, however, it
would be necessary to remain perfectly silent, as they would be alarmed
by the slightest noise.

At length the water-hole came in sight, and eagerly hurrying forward we
quenched our thirst and refilled our bottles. Hans did not refuse to
drink, and appeared somewhat better afterwards; but there was a roll in
his eye which made us unwilling to set him at liberty. Not to alarm the
elephants, we retired to a distance and lighted a fire, where we cooked
the venison we had brought with us, which, although somewhat high, was
still eatable; we then lay down to rest under the shade of a
wide-spreading tree, making Hans sit by us.

Harry and I, wishing to obtain some sleep, told Jan to watch our
prisoner; and as he had had more rest than we had the previous night, we
hoped he would keep awake.

At length I opened my eyes, and, on looking round, what was my dismay to
see Jan fast asleep, and to find that Hans was not there. I aroused
Harry. We had placed our prisoner's rifle and knife close to us, and
they were safe. He could not be far off; so calling Jan--who looked
very much surprised at finding what had happened--we started off, hoping
to discover the poor wretch. The feeling of anger with which we had
before regarded him was now changed into compassion. Should he have had
any evil intentions, could he have got his arms free, he might have