But a few seconds later his heart sank, for emerging from the deep shadows under the trees came two riderless horses which everyone recognised. They were the animals that Colin and Desmond had ridden to Sibenga's Kraal the previous evening, and on which they had commenced their incompleted journey back to Kilembonga.
CHAPTER XXVI
A DOUBTFUL CLUE
Piet Van der Wyck had no difficulty in catching one of the masterless steeds while the Haussa secured the other. The animals seemed hardly distressed. They had been cantering along at an easy pace, and gave no indications of having been frightened. Bridle, saddle, and stirrups were in place; there was nothing to give a clue to what had befallen the riders.
"Perhaps," suggested Van der Wyck, "they dismounted and forgot to tether the animals."
"Hardly likely," demurred Colonel Narfield. "Although they are fairly raw hands with horses they know better than that. Desmond might, though; but Colin is too thoughtful and cautious. It may be that one of them was thrown and the other dismounted to go to his assistance. In that case the animals might stampede. We can dismiss the wild beast theory. Had a lion sprung upon the lads unawares the horses, even if they escaped, would have been terrified. Besides, there's no sign of an injury to either beast. Bring the horses along, Tenpenny Nail; they might be useful."
The search was resumed. At a slow pace the party rode under the trees, keeping a keen watch for broken undergrowth or any other sign that might lead to the unravelling of the mystery.
Once they halted, Van der Wyck and the Haussas dismounted to follow a well-defined spoor through the dense undergrowth. Here the ground was marshy, and it was easy to pick out the hoof marks of a large rhinoceros, but of human footprints not a sign was visible.
Baffled, and with their spirits falling rapidly, the searchers rode on until they came within sight of Sibenga Kraal.