appeared to have broken-down. As they approached the
spot, they saw a man limp from out of a clump of bush and make signs to
them, and this man they found to be a Hottentot, who was badly wounded
in several places, and seemed almost famished with hunger.

Having supplied him with food, he informed them that he was the driver
of one of three waggons belonging to a Dutchman, who, with his wife and
two daughters, was travelling over the country in search of elands, when
they were attacked by a party of Matabili, who came upon them at
daybreak, and carried off oxen, wife, and daughters, killed the Dutchman
and another Hottentot, and would have also killed him, had he not
shammed to be dead.

Hans Sterk, who had been watching attentively the waggon and debris
around, whilst he listened to the Hottentot's remarks, suddenly and
eagerly inquired what was the Dutchman's name.

"Siedenberg," said the Hottentot.

"Siedenberg!" shrieked Hans, as he grasped his rifle like a vice; "and
Katrine was with him?"

"Ja," said the Hottentot; "the Mooi Katrine has been carried off by the
Matabili, and her little sister too."

"Men," said Hans, as he turned to his companions, "Katrine Siedenberg
was to have been my wife in two months' time. I swear she shall be
freed from the Matabili, or I will die in the attempt. Which of you
will aid me in my work, with your rifles, horses, and skill?"

"I will," replied Victor.

"And I," said Heinrich.

"And I," said all those with him; "but we must get more men."

It was immediately agreed that the journey should be continued until the
waggons and their contents were placed in safety, for the Matabili had
two days' start, and therefore could not be overtaken by the poor
half-starved horses, which now alone belonged to the hunters. Fresh
horses, more people, and more ammunition were necessary, and then a
successful expedition might be carried on against Moselekatse and his
warriors. The Hottentot was helped back to the hunter's waggons and
allowed to ride in one of them; and the onward journey was continued
with all speed, so that in three days after finding the broken-down
waggon, the hunters had crossed the Nama Hari river, and had joined a
large party of the emigrant farmers, who were encamped south of this
river.

The news of the attack on the hunters, the slaughter of Siedenberg, and
the carrying off of his daughters, scarcely required to be detailed with
the eloquence which Hans