274 AFRICAN ADVENTURE STORIES 



struck out again, moving cautiously. Wherever 

 it was possible, he followed game trails and 

 disused paths. His rifle was cocked and ready 

 for instant use, but he had determined to fire 

 it only as a last resort; he meant to husband 

 the four remaining cartridges for an emergency. 



At first he skulked along like a hunted ani- 

 mal, stopping to scrutinise every dark object; 

 but as he proceeded farther and farther he 

 gained courage and travelled faster. When 

 dawn broke, he judged that he was fifteen miles 

 from his captors. 



He spent the day in a dense papyrus swamp, 

 and ventured into the open only long enough 

 to gather a little fire-wood. When darkness 

 set in he built a fire in the thick green papy- 

 rus, roasted and ate two sweet potatoes, and 

 then, making sure of his bearings, again struck 

 out. 



The second night's travel was without inci- 

 dent. He came upon two villages but circled 

 them safely. By daylight he had covered an- 

 other fifteen or twenty miles and knew now 

 that he must be near friendly natives. But he 

 thought it wise to keep in hiding for another 

 day at least. 



