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We made some progress, but still clasp-knives were very inadequate tools for the work we had undertaken. Every now and then, as we were labouring on silently, we heard the same cry of Wawk wawk wawk! Wok wok wok! and caught sight of magnificent birds flitting among the higher branches of the trees, but so rapidly did they move, that we could scarcely distinguish their forms.

We went straight to the wagon, to find the oxen all lying down chewing their cud, and from under the tilt there came a deep, heavy snore; but there was also a rustling sound, a big black head popped out, and the man said, in a deep, thick voice: "Boss, hear lion?" "No," said my father sharply. "Did you, boy?" "Iss. Oom! Wawk, wawk, wawk. Boss, lissum."

Our guides would have preferred the spirit undiluted, as they are fond of potent liquors as well as of strong-tasted food. At early morn, before the sun rose, we heard the well-known cry of "Wawk wawk wawk! Wok wok wok!" resounding through the forest, and continually changing its direction.

In a short time, as the sun was tingeing the lofty tops of the trees, we heard the well-known sound of "Wawk wawk wawk! Wok wok wok!"

Even with sharp axes we should have found some difficulty; but it was very heavy work with our knives. Still, it had to be done. Water was the first thing we required. We had progressed a hundred yards or less, though it had appeared to us upwards of a mile, when we heard close to us a peculiar cry, which sounded something like, "Wawk wawk wawk! Wok wok wok!" loud and shrill above our heads.