masters, for the
morning light.

It was only natural that Mr Rogers should feel sincere regret that he
had left the camp so late in the day, but he told himself that it was a
lesson, hard as it was to learn; and the boys pretty well took it to
heart as they sat there listening to the fierce muttering growls that
came from all around. Nearer and nearer when the fire was allowed to
burn a little lower, more distant when the blaze sprang up, and a few
burning pieces were sent whizzing through the air like fireworks, Dick
being particularly clever at making the burning brands spin round
Catherine-wheel fashion, blazing furiously as they flew.

That weary night seemed as if it would never end, and to the dismay of
all, it became very plain that the lions were madly excited at the
presence of the horses, and that their hunger was beginning to make them
think less of the fire and the burning brands.

So close were two or three of the rushes that it was all Mr Rogers and
his sons could do to keep the horses from dashing away, one lion in
particular coming so well into sight that Jack could not resist the
temptation to fire; and so well placed was the bullet that the lion fell
paralysed, and lay struggling impotently, till a second well-aimed
bullet put an end to its pain.

This was one enemy the less, but matters looked more ominous than ever,
for the supply of wood within reach was exhausted, and the last armful
had produced more smoke than blaze.

There seemed to be nothing else for it then but to mount and ride for
their lives, irrespective of the darkness, and trust to their good
fortune to bring them safe away.

"When I give the word `Mount!' leap on your horses, and dash off," said
Mr Rogers at last, for the mutterings of the lions were growing nearer
and nearer.

"And how about you, father?" asked Dick.

"I shall be close behind you, my boy."

"And Chicory?" said Jack.

"I shall cut the ostrich loose, and Chicory will jump up behind me, and
hold on as best he can."

"Let him come behind me, father," said Dick.

"No, behind me," cried Jack.

"Silence!" exclaimed Mr Rogers. "There is no time for argument. Be
ready. We'll all throw at the lions together as they come on, and then
mount and off before they recover from their confusion."

Each stood to his horse's head then, and held a piece of blazing wood
ready--when Mr Rogers uttered a thankful sigh.

"Morning at last, my boys!" he exclaimed, as a fa