so comical a look that Jack said no
more, but rode on silently by the side of the waggon, till, seeing his
disappointment, his father joined him.

"Why, you foolish boy," he exclaimed, "it was not likely that you would
hit one of those flying bok. It is a matter of long practice; and even
the Boers, who have studied such shooting for years, often miss."

"But you see, father, I did make such a dreadful mess of it," pleaded
Jack. "I came off my horse; and then I shot over and over again, and
missed. I can't help feeling what a muddle I made."

"Well, for my part," said his father, "I am rather glad that you failed.
If you had succeeded, my boy, without effort at the first trial, it
would have made you careless. These failures will teach you the
necessity for using care, and trying to perfect yourself as a marksman."

"But there'll be no bok for dinner," said Jack ruefully.

"Never mind," replied Mr Rogers. "I daresay the boys will bring in
something."

He was right, for Coffee and Chicory brought in six great plain
partridges, which they had knocked down with their kiris, and these were
roasted at the midday meal, and eaten with the appetite found in the
desert.

As the day wore on, and after the refreshed oxen were once more doing
their duty, the effects of the last night's scare began to show itself,
Peter, Dirk, and Dinny declaring that they had seen lions creeping after
the waggon in the distance, ready to pounce upon the oxen as soon as it
was dark.

Dirk reported this to Mr Rogers, who gave them all a good, talking to
about their cowardice.

"Why, look at these Zulu boys," he cried; "they don't show any fear,
while you grown men are almost as bad as children."

"Sure, sor, an' the Zulu boys don't know any better," said Dinny.
"They're little better than the bastes themselves."

"Well, there are my own boys," exclaimed Mr Rogers. "They are not
afraid. I wonder at you, Dinny, an Irishman, and to set such a bad
example to these blacks."

"And is it afraid?" said Dinny. "Not a bit of it. I'm not a bit afraid
at all; but I can't help thinking of what my poor mother's feelings
would be if she came to know that her only son Dennis had been aiten up
by wild bastes. I don't mind a bit, but I wouldn't hurt her feelings
for the world."

"Then oblige me, Dinny, by holding your tongue, for if I hear any more
complaints I shall send you back."

"Sind me back!" ejaculated Dinny, as soon as his master