Part 18 (2/2)

As the sun rose the heat increased, but that s suffered even more than they did, as they followed at their heels; for even the sight of game did not induce them to scamper off as they would have done on other occasions

”It will never do to give in,” said Denis, as Percy proposed sitting down under the shade of a tree to rest, where the dogs had already sought shelter

”I don't wish to give in; but if we cannot find water soon, I fear that it will be iet on,” answered Percy

”Look at poor Gozo, he seeh I should have supposed that he would have held out the longest”

The old Kaffir threw hi ”I shall die, o farther”

”Don't be saying that, Gozo; you'll get up after a little rest, and we'll find water before long; if not, we row in some parts of the country where the soil is sandy, and so we are likely to discover the,” said Denis ”We must up and away; the sooner we set off, the sooner we shall find water Co than lying still”

The Kaffir thus incited to exertion got on his feet The party set off, the dogs dragging themselves after their masters, for their instinct told them that there would be no safety for the their best to keep up each other's spirits

Poor Gozo, however, cohter and tighter round his waist, until it looked as if it would cut him in two His throat, he said, felt as if a hot iron had been run down it; yet, encouraged by Denis, he staggered on It was too evident that he was groeaker and weaker, and he declared a last that he could not carry his gun

”But without it you will not be able to defend yourself, should we be attacked by a lion or lioness,” said Denis

”No matter: I un, will you come on?” asked Denis

”I'll try, un

”I must help you to carry it,” said Percy ”I cannot do , but I hope that his weakness is more fanciful than real, and that now he is relieved froun he will ered on faster than he had done for soain his feet ed that he ht lie down under it in the shade and rest

”But restmore anddown, and Denis and Percy had to agree to his doing so As they could not leave hi a few minutes, however, Denis started up ”Come, this will never do,” he exclaimed; ”push on we must; we shall be as exhausted as he is, if we do not soon find water, and we shall not find it by sitting here”

”I am ready,” said Percy; but when they tried to induce Gozo to rise, he declared that he was utterly unable to roaned out ”If you find water in a short tio on, for it will be useless to return, as I shall be dead”

Again and again they endeavoured to induce hiet up, but in vain were all their efforts At last Denis said, ”Wedestroyed by some wild beast”

He then turned to the unhappy native ”We will do as you wish We will leave you your ive in; and if you feel yourself stronger, follow us You will easily distinguish our spoor, and ill fire off our pieces to show you our whereabouts, should we find water,” he said

Withdoubts whether they should find hihtly refreshed by their rest They had not gone far when they caught sight of a single wildebeest, or gnu, sca al

”Perhaps that ani its way towards water,” observed Percy

”I fear not,” answered Denis ”If so, it would not be alone It has been separated fro it They are wild dogs; you can just distinguish their heads le file; the leader is close at the heels of the poor wildebeest”

As the dogs ca to several score could be seen, following exactly one behind the other Presently the leader took a leap, and alighted on the haunches of the affrighted gnu

Another and another followed, until, borne down by nuround