Willem, Congo, and the dog moved on, leaving Hendrik gazing after them.
He remained on the spot where he had pulled up his horse. “Now this is interesting,” muttered the young cornet, as he saw them go off upon the spoor. “I have been acting without motives,—acting like a fool ever since we have been out on this expedition. Circumstances have driven me to it and will do so again. Yes. I must follow Willem. Why should I desert him when that poor Kaffir remains true? If his friendship worth more than mine?”
Spurring his horse into a gallop, Hendrik was soon once more by the side of his forsaken companion.
Willem had a strong suspicion that he was himself acting without reason, in seeking for an object he could hardly expect to find. This sage reflection did not prevent him from continuing the search. Half distracted by the loss of the camelopard, he was scarce capable of knowing whether he now acted sensibly, or like a fool!
To all appearance Hendrik had only followed him for the purpose of prevailing upon him to return.
Every argument that could be advanced against their proceeding farther was used by the young cornet,—all to no purpose. Willem was determined to proceed, and persisted in his determination.
Evening approached, and still was he unwilling to give up the search.
They could not return that night, for they were now nearly a day’s journey from the camp.
“Willem is mad,—hopelessly mad,” thought Hendrik, “and I must not leave him alone.”
They journey on together, and in silence, Hendrik fast approaching that state of mind in which he had just pronounced Willem to be.