They trekked back to camp, where they remained for a few hours longer. Then, thoroughly refreshed, they resumed the march.
Farther on, the youths caught sight of a large group of giraffes which towered above the small, stunted trees about them. Other, more graceful, animals could be seen.
The explorers emerged from a dense growth of bushes when they suddenly saw something that moved them to pity.
Standing unsteadily, its legs trembling, its eyes glazed, was a large eland, which was evidently at the point of death. The poor animal remained on its feet only with the greatest of difficulty.
But something else caused the explorers to be still more touched. Three vultures were circling around the stricken animal, waiting for it to fall.
“Look over there,” murmured Bob, pointing to something at the edge of the bushes.
A trio of hyenas was also waiting silently for the eland to die. They never took their eyes from the animal, although they made no move to action.
“There’s work here,” said Mr. Lewis, raising his rifle. “We must put that poor animal out of its misery.”
“And I’m going to plug those doggone hyenas,” muttered Bob.