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CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



A RAT HUNT. 



Up in the morning early ; a farewell visit to poor 

 Selwin's last resting-place, an application of the 

 torch to the grass-huts which had for so long been 

 our home, and all stood ready to shoulder their load 

 to commence the coming journey. It was a grave 

 moment, and the gravity was suited to the occasion ; 

 but in an instant all seriousness was dispelled, for 

 from each burning wigwam rushed dozens of rats, or 

 rather large mice, in the pursuit of which each of my 

 followers took an active part, for these little rodents 

 are considered a veritable bonne boiiche by the natives. 

 Not only had these little quadrupeds found a shelter 

 among the litter which composed our beds and roofs, 

 but a large mamba, a very poisonous reptile, common 

 to Natal, issued among them from the flaming debris. 

 This objectionable snake had doubtlessly found our 

 camp a veritable happy hunting land, as it feeds 

 principally on such " small deer " as my followers 

 were now slaughtering. The serpent did not go far 

 before getting its quietus. A few nights previously 

 I could distinctly remember having placed my hand 

 upon something that felt extremely cold, just before 

 going to sleep ; at the time I thought it was one of 



