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Updated: May 11, 2025
The chief would not allow his guests to take any part in the toil, and unwilling to be idle, Groot Willem, Hendrik, and Arend determined on making an excursion down the river. Hans remained behind, content in the pursuit of his botanical studies, joined to the amusement of killing antelopes, and other game for the use of Macora's workmen. Swartboy remained with him.
Their parents would not consent to their going so far from home, on an excursion promising so many hardships and so much danger. Besides, it was necessary that they should become something better than mere Bush-Boys, by spending a few years at school. The two young cornets, Hendrik Von Bloom and Arend Van Wyk, each endeavouring to wear the appearance of old warriors, are present in the camp.
I have but to mention the names of Hans and Hendrik Von Bloom, Groot Willem and Arend Van Wyk, to make known that The Young Yagers are again on a hunting expedition. In the one in which we now encounter them, not all the parties are inspired by the same hopes and desires.
Hendrik and Arend expressed themselves of the same opinion. "Congo, you black scoundrel!" exclaimed Willem, "where are our giraffes? Which way shall we look for them?" In answer to this question the bewildered Kaffir could only shake his aching head. Willem had great faith in Congo's instinct, and was not satisfied with the limited information received from him.
"What can be the reason of that?" exclaimed Arend. "Can they wish the animal to live, merely for the sake of witnessing its sufferings? It cannot be saved. It must die where it is now." "I'll tell you how it is," said Hendrik. "They have a fine taste for music, and they intend keeping the elephant in that pit, like a bird in its cage, for the purpose of hearing the fine notes it is giving out."
We must turn back to them." "Of course we must," mechanically replied Arend, who was earnestly gazing across the plain. Hendrik turned his eyes in the same direction, and to his surprise saw from twenty to thirty men coming rapidly towards them. "We are going to be surrounded!" said Arend, as he turned his horse to retreat. Without further speech, the two galloped back to their companions.
"Hans," inquired Hendrik, "will you look after everything here, or will you come along with us?" "O, I prefer staying," said the quiet Hans. "Perhaps by doing so I may again come in for the lion's share of the sport, as I have just now." "We must take Congo along with us," suggested Arend. "It is certain there will be some of the natives at the pit.
Mounting their horses, Arend and Hendrik held the poles by which the giraffe was to be guided, while Willem and Congo walked on behind. In this manner the captive was conducted towards the camp. More than once during their journey Willem reiterated the reproach already made to his companions.
But for him, the Makololo chief would have put to death every Zooloo upon the ground, and then proceeded to their village to seek further retaliation. They all united in restraining him from violence; and the baffled murderers were permitted to take their departure without the least outrage being inflicted upon them. "Your arrival was very fortunate," said Hendrik, addressing Hans and Arend.
Swartboy further informed his young masters that he could have captured the two animals he had seen, but did not, because they were old, and not worth the trouble. If Hendrik, Arend, and Hans were inclined to place but little reliance on this boast of the Bushman, they gave to the rest of his story more than a fair share of credence.
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