ggon," said Mr Rogers, after walking to the edge
of the sudden descent where the rock went down sheer to the water, which
bubbled and foamed against its side.

"Yes; all gone over together," said the General quietly. "Now all go
across."

"But is it wise--is it safe--to attempt to cross to-night?" said Mr
Rogers.

"Will see," replied the General; and going down into the water, he
walked straight out past the heads of the oxen, literally disappearing
into the darkness as he waded on.

"Isn't he very brave to do that, father?" asked Jack, who had watched
the Zulu go from where they stood by the hind part of the waggon, whose
back wheels were on the dry sand.

"Coffee no 'fraid to go," said that young gentleman.

"Chicory go too after father," said his brother; and the two boys dashed
into the rushing water past the oxen, and then disappeared.

"What madness!" said Mr Rogers. "Why the stream runs swiftly enough
for them to be swept away."

Both Jack and Dick gazed eagerly out over the swift river; but the black
figures of the young Zulus seemed to disappear in the darkness, and for
some few minutes there was an excited pang while they listened to the
bubbling of the water against the fore wheels of the waggon, or the
plashing made by the oxen as they lazily moved their legs, apparently
enjoying the pleasant coolness of the water after their toilsome march.

"I ought not to have allowed them to go," said Mr Rogers suddenly.
"Here, Dinny, bring me the bay. I'll mount, and try and ride over to
their help."

"Bring the what, sor?" said Dinny.

"The bay," cried Mr Rogers. "Quick, man! quick!"

"An' how'll I be getting at him, sor?" said Dinny. "Sure he's standing
out there in the wather catching cowld, and I couldn't reach him widout
getting very wet."

"Why you did wade in to drink," cried Jack, indignantly.

And with a rush and a splash he ran into the water, to where he could
dimly make out the form of the big bay; and catching it by the halter,
he drew it after him, the rest of the thirst-quenched horses coming
_plash_! _plash_! out of the water, and following the bay like so many
sheep.

Mr Rogers was about to mount, when the General's voice was heard
hailing Peter and Dirk; and directly after their hearts were set at rest
about Coffee and Chicory, who could be heard laughing in the darkness.

"All shallow water," cried the General. "Trek, Peter; trek, Dirk. Good
place all across."

Mr Rogers