Staines looked round, and saw a woolly head, and two saucer eyes and open nostrils close by him. It was the Hottentot, more dead than alive.
Staines whispered him, “I think he is gone.”
The Hottentot whispered, “Gone a little way to watch. He is wise as well as strong.” With this he disappeared beneath the water.
Still no sound but the screaming of the vultures, and snarling of the hyenas and jackals over the eland.
“Take a look,” said Staines.
“Yes,” said Squat; “but not to-day. Wait here a day or two. Den he forget and forgive.”
Now Staines, having seen the lion lie down and watch the dying eland, was a great deal impressed by this; and as he had now good hopes of saving his life, he would not throw away a chance. He kept his head just above water, and never moved.
In this freezing situation they remained.
Presently there was a rustling that made both crouch.
It was followed by a croaking noise.