I40 Men, Mines, and Animals in South Africa. 



I had only a shot-gun with ^o. 5 shot, but 

 I couldn't help goino- down on one knee, and 

 taking aim at one just liehind the shoulder, and 

 thinking hoAv I must get him with rifle. Off they 

 went again, and I was alone once more in the 

 wilderness. About fiye minutes afterwards I came 

 upon a. pool of beautifully clear water — what was 

 left of a small dried u]^ stream — and fairly 

 wallowed in it. AVhile here I thought I heard 

 three shots fired at distinct interyals, so, knowing 

 that was the signal agreed upon in case any one 

 lost his way, struck out in that direction. Then 

 from the top of a kopje I made out the riyer, as I 

 thought, by a line of green trees. This proyed to 

 be correct, and I then soon came up with our own 

 oxen oTazinii'. The boys directed me to a:o alonii' 

 the riyer l3ank l3ack to camp, saying I couldn't miss 

 the way. By accident 1 was told the wrong side 

 of the riyer, so after walking about three more 

 miles, I managed to lose myself again, as the riyer 

 all seemed to o'o to nothino- and I couldn't tell 

 which was riyer and which was ycldt. Therefore 

 I walked 1)ack, thinking to find the oxen once 

 more ; but the sun was getting low, and I found 

 them gone, and, worse still, couldn't trace the 

 spoor. Then I heard shots fired, and going in the 

 direction of the souud, came up Avith a Kaffir 

 with some oxen, who showed me our waggons 

 about five hundred yards distant. I got in after 

 sunset, and found the waggons just gone — all 

 except the mule waggon, which Avas waiting for 

 me. Thank goodness ! I'm here at last. I'ye 



