I need not enter into the particulars of my purchase. The transaction
was soon completed. I had brought articles sufficient, I hoped, to
ransom both Leo and Mango. I told the chief that, although I did not
consider myself bound to pay him anything for releasing Mango, yet I
would make him a present in consideration of the kind treatment which he
and my young countryman had experienced. All parties seemed well
pleased, especially when I offered a further sum for some provisions--
cassava, plantains, antelope flesh, and dried elephant meat--which I
intended for my attendants, whom I hoped to meet in the valley below.
In case the fickle negroes should change their mind, I hurried off as
soon as I possibly could without exciting their undue suspicions, and
was glad to find that no one followed us. We took our way down the hill
to a spot where I left my three attendants, but they were nowhere to be
seen. There was their camp-fire, but it had long gone out; and I
supposed that, having been alarmed, they had taken to flight. I hoped
to come up with them further on. Still, no traces could I see of the
deserters. As I had made up my mind to search for Leo before returning
to Kabomba, I gave up the pursuit, and turned on one side for the
purpose of intersecting the course I concluded, from Mango's account,
that he had taken.
Leo had promised to make crosses on trees, and where no trees existed to
cut the same mark on the grass, or to arrange stones in a like form, or
to stick little crosses into the ground, to show his course. "I always
thought that Leo had his wits about him, and this proves it!" I
exclaimed, though Mango probably did not understand me. We accordingly
examined the ground on either side as we went along. I could still see
in the far distance the outlines of the village, and, judging by the
sun, I calculated that it was about north-east of us, while I hoped by
travelling south-west to come up with my young friend.
We had been searching for some time, and at Mango's suggestion I had
mounted the ox. I have not before described the animal. It was
clean-limbed, almost white, with long pointed horns projecting
horizontally from its head; a thoroughly tame and tractable animal. It
went on at a steady pace, sufficient to keep Mango and the zebra at a
trot. We were searching carefully as we went for Leo's promised
indication of his route, when Mango suddenly started off, and running a
few paces, lifted up a small cross, formed of two pieces of wood,
fastened together by the material of which the natives make their mats.
Mango's delight was excessive. "See I see!" he exclaimed. "We now
find--we now find Massa Leo!" and running on ahead, he lifted up a
second cross made in the same way. The arms of both of them were
pointing in the direction which we supposed Leo had taken. This fact
also showed his forethought, for if a single cross only had been left,
we should have had to search about perhaps for a long time before
ascertaining his route. We now went on with more confidence. From the
start he had had, I feared it would be some time before we could come up
with him. Still, as he had his rifle and provisions to carry, I knew
that he could not proceed as fast as we were doing. We travelled on
till nightfall, when we tethered the animals with some rope which Mango
had brought, lighted our fires, and made a slight shelter from the wind.
As the weather was clear, there was no necessity for building a
substantial hut. Having unloaded the zebra, I placed the packages under
my head as a pillow, keeping my rifle as usual by my side, and told
Mango that we would watch alternately during the night. I gave him the
first watch, with directions to call me after a couple of hours,
intending to allow him a longer rest than I took myself. I was awoke by
a loud roar sounding in my ears. It was the well-known voice of a lion.
I started up. So did Mango, for he had been asleep. A few glowing
embers of the fire alone remained. I had seized my rifle instinctively,
and with it in my hand looked around on every side. The ox stood near,
though trembling violently; but the little zebra was nowhere to be seen.
I caught sight, however, of the massive form of a lion bounding over
the ground. The zebra, I hoped, had escaped, though the lion might be
pursuing it, and I resolved to try and save the life of our little pet.
I fired, and believed that I had hit the savage brute, for it stopped
and growled more furiously than before. Meantime Mango was employed in
throwing sticks on the fire, blowing with might and main to make them
blaze up. The lion drew nearer. Again I fired, but missed. There
might be scarcely time to reload before the lion would be upon me. I
hurriedly began to do so. I never more eagerly rammed down a charge.
Still the lion came on. Mango piled on more sticks, and blew and blew
harder than ever, as if his existence depended on it. So, perhaps, it
did, for had the lion made a spring, and had I again missed him, Mango's
life must have been sacrificed. Just then the fire blazed up.
Fortunately the sticks were very dry. A few bounds would have brought
the savage brute up to us. I shouted, and so did Mango, with might and
main. I refrained, however, from firing till the lion had approached
nearer, for should I not kill him outright, he might, in spite of the
fire, rush towards us. On he came roaring, but slowly, afraid of the
flames. Once more he stopped. He dared not face them. Greatly to my
relief, he then turned round and moved off, roaring furiously. Fearing
that he might still pursue the zebra, which I hoped had escaped, and
might, after making a circuit, come back to us, I raised my rifle and
fired again. I fancied I could hear the thud of the bullet as it struck
the lion behind the shoulder. Fearful were the roars he uttered; but
defeated, he stalked off, evidently having had enough of the fight.
Mango, who had been thoroughly alarmed, seemed very penitent for having
gone to sleep. There was no necessity to point out to him the danger we
had been in, in consequence. He tried to say he would never do so
again. At last I persuaded him to lie down and rest, while I sat up. I
kept looking round, in the hope of seeing the zebra trot up to us, but
when the morning came our little pet had not returned.
I had begun to cook our breakfast even before daylight, that we might
lose no time in starting, so as to take advantage of the cool air of the
early day. We had not gone far when we came to a small cross made of
stones on the ground. It revived my spirits, for it was the sign that
Leo had passed that way. Then again the fear came across me that the
lion which had scented us out might have attacked him. During the day
we passed several other crosses, some cut, as he had promised, in the
trees; but the greater number were composed, as were the first we had
seen, of sticks. It took a shorter time to erect them than to cut the
marks on the trees or the grass, or even to make crosses of stones on
the ground. Frequently during the day I turned back, in the hope of
seeing the zebra following us, but I was disappointed.
The next night passed away, and then another, and Mango kept wide awake
during his watch. Leo must have pushed on well, for still the crosses
appeared. We came on all the spots where he had slept--his lean-to or
hut, with the ashes of his fire before it; and generally midway between
them a black patch alone, where he had stopped to cook his mid-day meal.
We found the feathers of several birds which he had shot. It was
evident, indeed, that he had exercised all the sagacity of an
experienced hunter--remarkable in one so young. I was very thankful
that I had an animal to ride, for the heat and the constant exertion I
was undergoing tried me greatly.
On the third day we still found Leo's crosses, but several were out of
the straight line. The country had become open, similar in character to
that which I had passed over with Natty. Hitherto we had found springs
affording sufficient water for ourselves and the ox. Now, however, we
had to go a long way without meeting with any, though we carried enough
in our bottle for ourselves, and a small quantity for the patient ox.
Travelling on, I saw something lying on the ground a short distance off.
I pointed it out to Mango, who ran towards it, and returned with a
knapsack. "Yes," he said in a sorrowful tone, "dis Massa Leo's." I
recognised it indeed as the one Leo had with him. Fatigue alone could
have made him throw it aside; and perhaps, hoping soon to reach the
Europeans of whom he had heard, he would no longer encumber himself with
it. Securing it to the ox's back, we went on still more eagerly,
looking carefully about on every side. I expected every moment to
overtake Leo. We went on for another mile or more, when to my dismay we
found his rifle on the ground. That he certainly would not have thrown
away unless greatly overcome by fatigue. Still, perhaps, he might have
had no powder, and found it a useless encumbrance. I, however, dreaded
that, weak as he must have been before he would quit his knapsack and
rifle, he might have fallen an easy victim to some beast of prey.
Though we looked anxiously about, we could see nothing of him.
Presently Mango, who had gone ahead of me, began running very fast. I
pushed on to overtake him, when I saw, lying on the ground, a human
form, by the side of which Mango had thrown himself. Could it be Leo?
I urged the ox into a gallop, and did not stop till I reached the spot.
My worst apprehensions were fulfilled. There lay Leo extended on the
grass.
"Is he dead?" I exclaimed, in a faltering voice.
"Hope not, massa," answered Mango, looking up; "he 'till breathes."
The words somewhat relieved my fears, and throwing myself from the ox, I
knelt down by his side. My first care was to pour some water down his
throat, then to bathe his temples; to treat him, indeed, as I had Natty
under similar circumstances. I cannot express my thankfulness when I
saw him at length open his eyes. He gazed at me with a look of
surprise, but he was still too weak to speak. He pointed to his lips,
and I gave him more water. It was necessary to get him at once into the
shade, for, exposed to the hot sun, it was scarcely possible that he
could regain his strength. Mango accordingly lifted him up on the ox's
back, and I supporting him in my arms, he urged the animal on towards a
wood we saw in the distance. Leo was still too weak to speak, but he
recognised me, and a grateful look lighted up his eyes as he gazed at my
face. As I thought he might understand me, I briefly narrated some of
my adventures in search of him, of course not telling him my anxiety
about his sisters and brothers. How thankful I felt that I had come in
time to save him, for it was evident that he would not have survived
many hours lying out on the exposed plain. I was now doubtful whether
we should proceed on in the same course we had been steering, or turn
away to the west in search of Kabomba, where, I felt sure, he would be
well taken care of. I should have to go there at all events for Natty,
even if we could gain certain tidings that our friends were further
south. Presently Leo's lips moved, and I heard him whispering, "On! on
as before! You will find them, I am sure!" This decided me. Still, I
resolved to rest at the nearest wood we could reach. I was thankful
when at length we arrived at one--a little oasis in the desert. What
was still more satisfactory, within it appeared a small pool, a bright
stream rushing out of the bank on its side. We had tethered the ox.
While Mango sat by Leo's side bathing his temples and wetting his lips,
I was busily employed in collecting wood for our hut. Suddenly the
sound of animals rushing across the plain reached my ears. I looked up,
and saw a troop of giraffes galloping at full speed, and, closely
following them, two horsemen. On they dashed! Shouting at the top of
my voice, I called again and again. I rushed to the ox, in the vain
hope of overtaking them. Even at that distance I fancied I recognised
Stanley, though his companion's figure I did not know. Just as I was
about to mount, there came tearing after them, as if in pursuit, a large
herd of buffaloes, among which appeared several huge rhinoceroses. It
seemed as if they were in pursuit of the horsemen. Another herd of
buffaloes came out of the wood opposite, and stopping, gazed a few
moments before joining the chase. The whole passed by like creatures in
a dream. I saw at once that it would be impossible to catch up the
horsemen; besides which, I should have run a great chance of being gored
to death by the rhinoceroses or buffaloes. On they went, tearing across
the plain. Poor Leo lifted up his head.
Just then Mango called to me. "He say he sure dey're friends," said
Mango. "We go after dem."
"Not just yet," I answered; "but it is a great satisfaction to have seen
them, for it shows that they must be encamped not far off, though in
which direction it is hard to say."
Had I been alone, I should certainly have followed; but it would have
killed Leo to move. I therefore remained encamped, hoping that he would
soon be sufficiently recovered to proceed. In a short time not an
animal was to be seen. However, the incident greatly raised my spirits,
especially as Leo was evidently getting better. Mango and I therefore
went on building a hut, and collecting wood for a fire. We meantime
propped up Leo with the baggage and some piles of wood. While thus
employed, I saw a couple of parrots on a bough near, and fortunately
killed them; and by the time our fire was burned up, Mango had plucked
them, and they were soon roasting before it.
Night came on; but Leo was very restless, and declared that he could not
sleep. I did everything I could to soothe him, but in vain. At length
the moon rose and lighted up the whole landscape. "Me t'ink good time
go on," said Mango. I thought so too; indeed, I had become very anxious
about Leo. The camp, I hoped, was at no great distance, and I thought
it would be better to obtain assistance for him, rather than take a long
rest and have to travel during the heat of the day. Accordingly,
rousing our patient ox, which had lain down near the fire after cropping
the abundant grass, I mounted and lifted Leo up, holding him in my arms.
Mango carried my rifle, and led the animal, that I might be more at
liberty to support my young friend. On we went over the plain. We had
gone some distance, when I felt Leo resting more heavily on my arm. I
asked him what was the matter. He did not answer. I feared that he had
fainted. Telling Mango to stop, we bathed his temples, and I poured a
few drops of water down his throat. I had no other remedy. It slightly
revived him, for he opened his eyes and spoke a few words; but his
condition made me more than ever anxious to discover the camp, if such
was indeed to be found. I had already gone through a great deal of
anxiety, but nothing to equal what I suffered at present. It seemed so
sad to think that Leo might die when succour was so near at hand.
Eager, however, as I was to proceed, Leo's condition prevented me from
allowing the ox to go out of a steady walk. Still, even thus, without
any jolting, he got quickly over the ground. On and on we went, looking
about in every direction for the light of a fire which might indicate
the situation of the wished-for camp. I say wished-for, for I was not
certain that our friends were actually in the neighbourhood. Perhaps
the horsemen I had seen had come from a considerable distance, and were
in light hunting order, with merely saddle-bags to hold their provisions
and ammunition. If so, they could render us, even if we should fall in
with them, but little assistance. These thoughts passed through my mind
as we proceeded, while I formed a variety of plans, to be carried out
according to any emergency which might arise. As the moon was bright, I
had no fear of an attack from wild beasts.
We had gone on for about three hours, when Mango stopped. "See, massa,
see!" he exclaimed. I looked ahead, and observed a ruddy glow in the
sky. The ox at the same time poked out his head, as if he also saw
something that interested him. Presently the light increased, and I
could distinctly make out fires burning in the distance. "If those are
campfires, they must have been lighted by a somewhat large party," I
observed. The further we advanced, the more distinct did the fires
become. We proceeded eagerly. At length, to my surprise, the ox seemed
unwilling to move on. In spite of Mango's coaxing voice, it proceeded
more and more slowly. At length I could distinguish not only the fires,
but objects moving about; a waggon and numerous oxen tethered near, and
horses and men, gradually came in sight. Then the barking of dogs
reached our ears. This made me still more surprised at the
unwillingness of the ox to proceed. Then I distinguished some water, on
which the light of the fire was reflected. Between us and it, however,
several dark objects appeared. In vain Mango now tried to urge on the
ox. He stopped altogether. "Ah, massa, look dere!" he exclaimed in a
terrified tone. He had cause for alarm. The fires just then blazing up
more completely, exhibited the dark outlines of several lions and other
creatures, which I took to be hyenas, standing on our side of the
stream, watching the camp, while the dogs we had heard ran backwards and
forwards, barking at them from the opposite side. My fear now was that
the savage brutes might turn and attack us. Even if they did not do so,
it might take us some time to find a ford and get round to the camp,
unless we could make the travellers hear us and come to our assistance.
Mango and I shouted again and again with all our might. Though our
friends might not have heard our voices, the wild beasts did, for
suddenly turning round, the whole pack, with angry roars, came bounding
towards us.