men descend into that hollow," said Hans, "then they will not
see us ride away. We will keep the slope of the hill, as the streams
are smaller there than in the valley below. Now, be ready, men, and off
with you."

The horses, though far from fresh, in consequence of the small amount of
food they had eaten, yet responded to the application of the impromptu
whip which each rider had provided himself with, and started at a pace
which, if continued, would have placed the riders far beyond the
possibility of capture from any pedestrians. Hans, however, knew the
infectious nature of the sickness, and watched with anxiety the action
of the various horses, for if another horse died, one animal would have
to carry double weight, a fact which would prevent any rapid progress.
He knew too that the Matabili could journey fully fifty miles a day for
several days, and this would be more than the half-starved horses could
manage; so that the present position was one of extreme danger.

By the time the Matabili had reached the spot on which Hans and his
party had been concealed, he had ridden nearly two miles away, and his
spoor alone showed the Matabili how near they had been to their enemies;
for they at once recognised the freshness of this spoor, whilst the
dying horse showed that he had not been long deserted.

Not knowing that two out of the five riders were women, the Matabili
fortunately did not pursue in a body, but despatching two of their
fastest and best runners to watch the enemy and to bring back the latest
intelligence, the remainder continued their journey towards the
head-quarters of their chief.

During fully three hours Hans rode steadily onwards, the sun, the ranges
of hills, and the streams serving to show him in which direction he
should travel. Wishing to give the horses every chance, he then deemed
it advisable to halt, and allow the animals to graze, as also to try and
procure some food for the party. Selecting the bank of a stream, where
a clear open space round prevented much chance of a surprise, he again
off-saddled the horses; and telling Victor and Bernhard to prepare a
fire, he started in search of food.

To a hunter as well skilled as was Hans in the habits of animals it was
not difficult to procure game when provided with a gun. Some patches of
grass and weeds on the leeward side of a ravine at once attracted him;
there he thought either a reitbok or a duiker should be found, and
either wo