212 TRAVELS IN 
But as It was impradicable for us to coaft along 
the bank of the river, on account of the forefts 
of trees which bordered it, it was determined 
that we Ihould return back to Zebra-Fountain, 
and thence, proceeding northward, regain the 
river. When we arrived at the fountain, we 
pointed out to my hunters the road we fliould 
take, that they might find us on their return ; 
and, when they fet off with the men and cattle 
of Schoenmaker, we proceeded on our way. 
Three hours travelling fufficed to bring us 
back to the wood which fkirted the river. But 
on entering it we perceived, not without alarm, 
the frefh fteps of two lions, which we judged 
to be a male and female, and which had con- 
fequently taken up their abode in this quarter. 
The nearnefs of thefe redoubtable guefts, giving 
us reafon to apprehend an attack in the night, 
we were obliged to be more than ufaal'on our 
guard, and particularly to keep large fires 
burning round our camp to prevent their ap- 
proach. In the mean time night was coming 
on, and perhaps it would not be eafy to find at 
the moment the quantity of dry wood requi- 
fite for the purpofe. 
A lucky accident fupplied us with more than 
fufficient 
