s confident was the footstep of a man soon after he had taken
his position near Katrine. For several minutes not a sound disturbed
the stillness of the night except the somewhat heavy breathing of the
sleepers; this, however, was a source of great danger. To the acute
ears of a lion, or even of a Kaffir, this heavy breathing could have
been heard at a distance of several yards, and could thus serve as a
guide to either dangerous enemy. Hans, however, did not like to disturb
the sleepers until the last moment, or unless he found he alone was
unable to deal with the foe. It was evident to Hans that whoever or
whatever was the foe who approached, it was one who used the greatest
caution: but two or three steps at a time were taken, and then all was
quiet. From this fact Hans was convinced that a man was the enemy who
was near him, for no other creature could act with so much caution. He
was also aware of the peculiar individual daring of members of the
Kaffir race. Many men are brave in a crowd, and when led on by example
or enthusiasm, but the Kaffir is an epicure in excitement. He likes to
venture upon feats of daring alone, and the night is to him the most
suitable time for such deeds. It matters not how great is the risk, the
greater the risk the greater seems to be the excitement. Knowing this,
Hans believed it possible that one single Kaffir might have followed on
their spoor, have watched him as he halted for the night, and was now
desirous of capturing his guns or assagying some of the sleepers, and
then retreating, boast at his kraal of his deeds. Believing this, Hans
had an additional reason for remaining silent, for he knew that should
he awake his companions, the Kaffir would readily escape, or wait for a
more favourable opportunity for attack.

Grasping his hunting-knife firmly, Hans crouched close to the ground and
waited anxiously for the nearer approach of his foe. The slow, stealthy
tread of the man was evidently guided by the sound of the sleepers, for
no eyes could distinguish forms amidst the darkness, and Hans soon found
that light as was the breathing of Katrine and her sister, yet this
sound was guiding the man towards them.

For several minutes Hans could hear no sound, and he began to fancy the
man feared to approach nearer, but at length to his surprise and almost
fear, he could distinguish within ten feet of him the figure of a man
with arm erect, and in his hand a spear ready to cast