Page 147 - Adventures in Africa

them better whole than cut up, we staggered along

with our burdens, fortunately not having far to go.
On arriving at the spot agreed on, we found that our
companions had not returned. W e therefore set to

work to collect fuel for a fire, and to cut up one of the
animals. So parchcd had we become, that we could

scarcely refrain from drinking their blood. I had
always found, however, that blood rather increased
than diminished thirst. W e were both by this time

well versed in wood-craft, and quickly divided the
animal in the most scientific fashion. While we
were employed in this manner, we frequently looked

round to ascertain if the two men were approaching,
but they were not to be seen.
Having finished our task, while I was making up

the tire, Ilarry climbed to the top of the rock, that he
might obtain a wider look-out.

" 1 can see them nowhere,” he said, when he came
down, “ but 1 caught sight of an animal which, if 1
mistake not, is a big’ lion following our spoor, or pro­

bably it is attracted by the scent of the deer. As he
is coming this way, wre must be prepared for him :

though he might not condescend to cat a dead deer,
he may take it into his head to carry off one of us
living subjects. H e is not likely to give us any

undue notice of his approach.”
Ilarry agreed therefore to keep watch while I con­

tinued the operations on which I was engaged, I
soon got some forked sticks, which I ran into the
ground to hold the spits, and on these I placed the

venison to roast7 but hungry as I was I felt that without