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Updated: May 26, 2025
About a dozen hyenas were gibbering around a huge lion that lay crouched alongside a dark object on the ground, upon which he appeared to be feeding. As the hunters drew nearer, the hyenas retreated to some distance. "It appears to be the carcass of a horse," whispered Hendrik. "Yes, I am sure of it," answered Willem, "for I can see the saddle. My God! It is Arend's horse! Where is he?"
After reaching a part of the plain where they had not yet been, the Kaffir called out to them to come to him. They rode up, and were again shown the spoor of Arend's horse leading away from where its carcass was now lying, and in the opposite direction from the camp. It was evident that the horse had been farther off than the spot where its remains now rested.
The horse was Arend's, but there was not the slightest trace of the rider. Whatever had been his fate, there was no sign of his having been killed along with his horse. There was still a hope that he had made his escape, though the finding of the horse only added to their apprehensions.
The hoof-marks of Arend's horse were again found, and the bloodhound was unleashed and set upon them. Unlike most hounds, Spoor'em did not dash onward, leaving his followers far behind. He appeared to think that it would be for the mutual advantage of himself and his masters that they should remain near each other. The latter, therefore, had no difficulty in keeping up with the dog.
The others would not listen to Arend's self-sacrificing proposal; and for a time, it was debated among them, as to who should run the risk, each protesting what under other circumstances he would scarce have done, that he was a better swimmer than either of the other two. As each insisted on taking the peril upon himself, and none of them would yield the point, a proposal was made to cast lots.
Taking a course along the edge of the forest, that would bring them across the track made by Arend in reaching the place where the horse had strayed, the spoor of Arend's horse as well as the other's was discovered. The tracks of both were followed into the forest, along well-beaten path, evidently made by buffaloes and other animals passing to and from the river.
We had better stay when we are till morning." "Your advice is good, Arend," said Willem. I don't believe that we have a gun among us that could be discharged; if attacked, as we are now, we should be defenceless. Arend's suggestion was adopted, and they resolved to remain upon the rock till morning. During the night, the rain continued to pour, half drowning them in their exposed situation.
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