HALF-A-PINT OF NECTAR. 63 



most desired to see, for he was naturally so self- 

 denying that if any one possessed a mouthful of 

 water he was certain to be that individual ; and he 

 did possess it, about half-a-pint, every drop of which 

 he willingly parted with. It was but a tumbler of 

 water, very heated, and anything but attractive in 

 appearance ; but, never mind its looks, it tasted like 

 half-a-pint of nectar. 



The news I received of my chums was that 

 Selwin had killed a big bull, and was in pursuit of 

 another, while Dillon, with whom were Jim and the 

 Mantatee, had been doing some heavy firing to 

 the right. It was, therefore, proposed, as the 

 shadows were beginning rapidly to lengthen, that we 

 should descend into the valley, search for water, 

 make camp, and light a fire, the last process having 

 two benefits expected from it, viz., to assist in cook- 

 ing and attract our comrades when their day's labour 

 was terminated. But it will require another chapter 

 to narrate the rest of that day's performance. 



