old his position until relief came,
that was, if Bernhard had succeeded in reaching the Lager. "_If_
Bernhard has," said Hans. "Ah! all depends on good Bernhard now."

The day slowly passed away, though the whole four were engaged in
superintending or executing the defences. Katrine was able to give
assistance in tying up cartridges and in holding the canes whilst Hans
fastened the iron blades to their ends: thus Victor was at liberty to
make the defences more secure.

From the experience which Hans had gained in ascending the rock, he knew
that there was only one place where an enemy could ascend, and thus if
the narrow causeway could be defended, he saw no means for the Matabili
to approach him.

"Two to a hundred are long odds, though," said Hans to Victor; "but we
can only die at last, and our last fight shall be a good one. We can do
no more, I think, so now suppose we sleep for two hours; we are safe
till sunset, and I don't think we shall be attacked before daybreak
to-morrow. Katrine and her sister can be trusted to keep watch, and we
shall be stronger for sleep."

It was some time after sundown when Victor was called by Katrine.

"I can trust my eyes by day, Victor," said the Dutch maiden, "but I
don't think I am fit to keep guard by night. An enemy might be too
cunning or too quick for me."

"That is true, Katie," replied Victor: "you had better sleep now, and I
will take care no enemy comes to us. Have you heard any strange sounds
since sunset?"

"Yes, many," said Katrine: "there are lions about, and I think hyenas
have already scented death near here, for I heard some savage animals
fighting below here; but I think only animals have been about us."

"We may have a great fight to-morrow, Katie," said Victor: "the enemy
may be fifty to one against us."

"A brave man from the Vaderland like Hans and you would scarcely like to
fight at less odds, Victor. If you are hard pressed I can use one of
those spears, and I can pull a trigger too; but we can trust to you two.
See how strong this place is, too," continued Katrine: "a child might
hold this against an army."

"If you had been down-hearted, Katie, I should have fought, but it would
have been doggedly and down-heartedly; now that you are so hopeful, I
shall fight cheerfully and confidently. Good-night, Katie, and thank
you for your support."

Victor took up a sheltered position under the rocks, where the dew could
not fall upon him, and