“Why, we saw a drove of zebras the other day.”
“Yes, we did see them,” replied Mark. “But I wanted to have a shot at an elephant or a giraffe.”
“Yes; I suppose you expected to find South Africa a sort of over-abundant Zoological Gardens.”
“No, I didn’t,” said Mark; “but I did expect that as soon as we began burning fires to keep off the wild beasts, there would be some to keep off.”
“Patience, my dear boy; patience. We have only come a little way into the country as yet.”
“A little way!” cried Mark. “Why, you forget, doctor, how many weary days we have been tramping since we left the soldiers’ station.”
“Oh, no, I do not, my dear boy. It is a very little way compared with the vastness of this great solid continent. We have not seen a lion yet, but that does not show that we may not have been passing through open country where they are abundant; and very likely if we had omitted to start this blazing fire to-night we might have had a visit from several.”
“I vote, then,” cried Mark, whose sleepy fit seemed to have passed over, “that we put the fire out with a few buckets of water and then sit up and watch.”
“No,” said Sir James drowsily; “I forbid it. You are not going to allow that, doctor?”
“Certainly not, sir; and even if I felt so disposed the black would not allow it. You must be patient, Mark. I dare say we shall meet with more wild beasts than we care for before long, and wild men too.”