Page 179 - Adventures in Africa

made a sign to hi3 followers, who clapped a saddle on
its back, and drew tight the girths.

rt Capital! ” cried Harry. “ I have got a first-rate
steed at small cost, and I’ll soon show you what it
can do. '

Before I could dissuade him from making the
attempt he, with his usual impetuosity, leapt 011 the
quagga's back, and, seizing the bridle, told Toko to

let go*
What Ilarry might have expected occurred. Off
started the quagga, full gallop, towards the herd from

which it had been separated by falling- into the pit.
I feared from the vicious nature of the animals, that,
seeing some strange being on the back of their

companion, they would kick it and its rider to
death. In vain I shouted to Harry to stop his steed

and come back; that was more than he could do.
So telling Toko to mount his horse, I set off in
pursuit.
The moment the herd of quaggas saw us coming,

away they galloped at a furious rate. There were not
many streams, but over the rocky beds of water­
courses, through dense thickets, up hills, down

valleys, on they went-
Our horses began to show signs of fatigue, and I
was afraid Harry would be carried away into the

wilderness. To attempt to throw himself off would
have been madness, and yet while the quaggas were

running, there was little chance that their companion
would stop.
W e had ridden so far that I knew our friends would
be anxious about us, for they had not seen us disap­