THE WHIZZ OP A BOOMERANG. 143 



The director suggested that the hunt on which they were engaged could be 

 prosecuted with better success if they separated. That is, while he c ntinued along 

 the side of the jungle in one direction, Pongo should take the opposite. The chance 

 of discovering something would thus be doubled, while neither would go too far to 

 run to the help of the other, if needed. 



A sight which pleased each followed this brief parting. The two horses had 

 been left behind, cropping the grass, but when Mr. Godkin's saw him moving off 

 alone, he followed him, keeping some distance behind and out on the plain, as 

 though he knew he ought not to interfere with any plan he had in. view. 



Pongo did not expect his own pony to show any such regard. He was, there- 

 fore, interested and expectant as he saw the handsome creature standing, with head 

 elevated, and watching him approaching, his course necessarily leading him toward 

 the animal. 



Affecting not to see him, the Bushman passed beyond, but had not gone far, 

 when the sound of hoofs told him he was followed, as though the animal was un- 

 willing to part company with his new master. The African stopped and awaited 

 his approach. 



The pony came forward without timidity, and extended his nose for his master 

 to stroke his forehead. Pongo did this for several minutes, adding several playful 

 pats on the neck, much to the pleasure of the animal. 



In a country where man seemed arrayed against, not only those of his kind, but 

 all the natural inhabitants, as they in turn were arrayed against him, there was 

 something touching in this exhibition of affection on the part of a dumb animal for 

 one whom a few days before it had never seen. 



The Bushman was not indifferent to such proof of the confidence of the beast, 

 and he forgot, for a brief while, the duty that had taken him hither, and devoted the 

 time to petting the faithful animal, as he would have done with a member of his own 

 family. 



