At sunrise all hands had a bathe, since there was no likely danger of being seized by crocodiles. The water was perfectly clear, and, greatly refreshed, the little party attacked their plain but by no means scanty breakfast.
While this was in progress, Reeves suddenly signed to his companions to keep silent, and, seizing his musket, took aim beneath the awning. Standing on the bank, at quite a hundred yards' distance, was a tall, graceful animal somewhat resembling the spring-bok of the Karroos. The creature seemed to have no fear, or, if it had, curiosity got the better of it, for it remained motionless, looking intently at the unusual sight of a boat upon the practically deserted river.
Reeves pressed the trigger, but the gun missfired. The animal inclined its head slightly at the sound, but did not attempt to bound away. The correspondent's second essay was successful, and with a quick, convulsive leap the creature fell dead.
"It seems almost a pity to shoot such a confiding sort of animal," said Gerald, as they prepared to heave up anchor and row ashore for their spoil.
"It does," assented Reeves. "I should not have done so, only that stern necessity demands it. We must have food, and not neglect any opportunity. If this river traverses a desert, we should be short of provisions before we were out of it unless we replenished our scanty larder."
The slaughtered animal was soon cut up, the best portions being taken on board and, with the exception of a piece of hind quarter, which was reserved for dinner, salted down. This done, the awning was adapted for its daily purpose, and the voyage resumed.
For five days the boat passed between the dense forests on either hand, halts being made at each midday for the purpose of allowing the travellers to stretch their legs ashore, in addition to the nightly rests in midstream. But on the sixth day the forests were left behind; then followed a vast extent of plain, in which the vegetation gradually yet regularly decreased until it assumed the appearance of thorns and scrub.
"We are verging on another desert, I'm afraid," said Reeves. "Luckily, the river shows no signs of decreasing in volume, so I think we can rely on its not losing itself in the sand."
About three hours after sunrise a welcome breeze dead astern sprang up, enabling the travellers to set the awning as a sail. The advantages of being able to dispense with the use of oars were quickly appreciated by the crew, who could now sit at ease, the boat being kept on her course by means of an occasional dip with the oar that served as a rudder.
"This is great!" exclaimed Hugh, as the boat, with wind and current, ran past the banks at a good six miles an hour. "A few days like this would mean a lot."