Happily the affrighted deer found an opening, which, from the excessive
steepness of the path, had been neglected. Through this a considerable
number made their escape, and were soon beyond the reach of their
merciless pursuers.

The natives now began to collect the animals they had slain, and each
man returned in triumph with a springbok on his shoulders.

We, not to be outdone, each carried one of those we had shot, and a
pretty heavy load it was. I was thankful when we got back to the camp,
where we cooked a portion of the venison.

As we might have felt sure, the natives, having plenty of food, were not
at all disposed to move from the spot, and, indeed, continued feasting
the whole of the next day. On the following, they were so gorged that
they were utterly unable to make any exertion. Had an enemy been near,
and found them in this condition, the whole tribe might have been killed
or carried off into captivity.

We in the meantime explored the banks of the river until we found a
convenient spot for forming our raft. In most places the reeds extended
so far from the shore that during the operation we should have had to
stand up to our middles in water among them, with the risk of being
picked up by a crocodile or hippopotamus, both of which delectable
creatures were, in considerable numbers, frequenters of the stream.

As the blacks still showed no inclination to accompany us, Jan
volunteered to return for the elephant's tusks and other articles we had
left behind, if I would go with him.

To this my uncle somewhat demurred, but, at last, when I pressed the
point, he consented to remain in charge of the goods we had brought
while we set off on our expedition.

CHAPTER FIVE.

At daybreak Jan and I set off, he as usual leading the ox, while I
walked ahead with my rifle, ready for a shot. Our baggage consisted of
a couple of skins to sleep on, a stock of ammunition, a small portion of
our remnant of flour, tea, sugar, and pepper. We had no fear of not
finding food, as game of all sorts was abundant, provided I kept my
health, and was able to shoot it.

I asked Jan what he thought of the ox which looked remarkably thin.

"No good!" he answered; "last till get back, but not more--den him die."

I trusted that the poor animal would hold out as long as he supposed.

We rested at noon under an enormous acacia, of the younger branches of
which the elephants are apparently very fond. We saw that th