CHAPTER X. 



)ANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM A DISSATISFIED COOK. 



[UNDER does not always accompany lightning, 

 more especially in the tropics, but on this occasion 

 we were not to be deprived of the soul-enthralling, 

 awe-inspiring sound caused by the warring of the 

 elements. At length the great voice spoke. So short 

 and concise was its utterance that all stood aghast. 

 Its emphasis, its power, and its sublimity were such 

 that every one, regardless of colour and creed, were 

 overpowered with dismay. I have frequently stood 

 by the side of the heaviest siege guns and mortars 

 when they have been fired, but they were a baga- 

 telle to the voice of the raging elements. The 

 detonation lasted little more than an instant ; but, 

 short as was that time, what terrible force and power 

 of destruction it heralded ! For a moment after, all 

 was a death-like stillness, then the echoes took up 

 the thunder roar, and every tree, rock, and hill re- 

 verberated with its ironical applause, ha ! ha ! ha ! 

 But, long ere the kloofs, kranzes, and kopjie 

 had ceased their answering song, the heavens 



