"We go up to the cave," said Mr. Hume, when the dance was over.
"Send us food, mother."
"In plenty, O shield of my son!"
"And hark to this, wise woman—see that the warriors drink sparingly, for the wolf is most dangerous when he comes to the kraal a second time secretly."
"Wow! That is my thought also; but men are foolish. If the horn is filled, they would empty it without thought of the morrow. Ohe! you will eat well;" and she issued orders to some women, who returned to the village, and other orders to a couple of boys, who were only too glad to lead the popular white men up to the cave, to light the fires and bring water. And almost as soon as they were at the cave the women arrived with meat, fruit, and milk.
The Hunter stretched himself at once on the blankets. "I am not so young as I was," he explained.
"That won't do," said Venning, lighting the lamp. "You must not go to sleep without having had your supper." He turned the light on. "Why, you're wounded!"
"I dare say, lad. It was pretty hot down there at one time."
"Oh, you know this is not fair to us! I say, Dick, come here."
"What is it?" asked Compton, coming in from attending the fire.
"Mr. Hume has got himself wounded, and he never told us."