

212 THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



after became conscious of its worldly surroundings ; 

 in proof of which I received a gentle reminder in 

 the shape of a severe bite and elongated scratch, to 

 evince that the object of all my solicitude still pos- 

 sessed teeth and claws, and knew how to use them. 



It was so nearly dark now that it behoved me 

 to make an immediate start, or else the prospects 

 were, that I should not get out of the kloof that 

 night, much less regain my wagons, so the lad 

 shouldered the kid, while I took young "spitfire" 

 under my special care. That boy was a wonder of 

 gentleness, kindness, and forethought, for not a 

 stone, shrub, or briar obstructed my path but he 

 warned me of, or removed ; so, safe in limb and 

 skin, I reached home about three hours after sun- 

 down, my prize having endured the journey quite 

 as well as its bearer, that is, if an opinion can be 

 formed from the vindictive manner with which it spat 

 at "Chummy" when he attempted to caress it, 

 although he continued to repeat, in most endearing 

 tones, those soothing words, " Poor wee beastie, poor 

 wee beastie." 



Like a good, kind, thoughtful pal, as he ever 

 was, he had not forgotten that I was mortal, so 



