Page 44 - Adventures in Africa

As it was only a short distance off, while Jan re­

mained with me, he led the ox to the spot. The cave,
fortunately, had no inhabitant; and, having1 placed

the goods within, and piled some stones so as com­
pletely to block up the entrance, he returned, retaining
only the powder and shot, the ostrich feathers, three

or four skins, our cooking utensils, a few packages of
tea, coffee, sugar, pepper, and similar articles

weighing but little* Unfortunately, in building up
the wall, one of the larger stones had dropped, and
severely injured his foot. He found it so painful that
he was unable to walk. He, therefore, mounting the

ox, took me up before him, I> indeed, by this time could
not even hold on to the saddle, so had not he carried

me I should have been unable to travel. W e now
once more went on* It was already late 111 the day>
and before long darkness overtook us ; still we could

not stop without water, which we hoped, however, to
find before long. In a short time the moon rose and

enabled us to see our way.
The prospect was dreary in the extreme. Here
and there a few trees sprangout of the arid soil, while

on every side were rocks with little or no vegetation
round them* W e looked out eagerly for water, but

mile after mile was passed over and not a pool nor
stream could we see. J suffered greatly from thirst,
and sometimes thought that I should succumb. M y

uncle cheered me up, and Jan declared that we should
soon reach water and be able to camp. Still on and
on we went. A t length Jan cried out—

** Dare water, dare w ater! ”
I tried to lift up my head, lout had not strength to
move. I heard my uncle exclaim—