e large footprints there.")

"Of what?" inquired Hans.

"We don't know," replied the Zulus. "The game lives in the water that
makes these footmarks."

Hans, guided by the Zulus, went to the shore where the footprints were
visible, and there saw a spoor which to him was quite new. Several
footprints of a large animal were to be seen, and near these some
circular cuts in the sand, as though an arc of a circle had been traced
with an instrument. Though well acquainted with the spoor of all South
African animals, yet Hans could not remember any similar to this. The
Zulus, however, with a quickness of perception often possessed by
semi-wild men, pointed out to Hans that there were only marks of two
feet, then that the circular scrapes were marked over these footmarks.
One of the Zulus then lay down on the sand, and dragged himself along by
his hands only, thus indicating that the creature must progress much in
that manner. Still, neither Hans nor the Zulus had ever seen any
creature at all like this in South Africa.

Returning to the sailors, Hans asked the lieutenant if he knew of any
creature that had only two legs, that was large and heavy, and lived in
the sea, but could come on shore.

"Yes, seals, and sea-lions," replied the lieutenant.

"Then they come here," said Hans; "there is spoor of the creatures on
the beach."

"Then we are safe for food, and that is something: for we shall not
starve as long as seals or sea-lions can be captured or shot. As soon
as all is made snug here, we'll examine the island."

In half an hour every item of the stores being safely secured, the
lieutenant left three men in charge of the boats and stores, and two
others with directions to collect all the dry sea-weed and pieces of
wood or reed that they could find. These were to be heaped together to
make a fire, for great numbers of birds were seen flying about, this
island seeming to be a favourite resort or breeding-place for many
sea-birds.

The lieutenant, with Hans and the Zulus, and the remaining men, went in
shore to examine all that was to be seen. The island was rocky and
barren, and destitute of vegetation. There seemed no stream or rivulet,
or fresh water of any description, and no living creatures except birds.
The centre of the island was elevated about three hundred feet, and
from the top of this a good view, it was expected, might be obtained all
around. Ascending to this plateau, the lieutenant and Hans