The hours seemed to be interminable, and it
truly appeared as if they would never come to
an end.
In the midst of our discomfort, however, there
was one thing gratifying, viz., that tho rain and
■wind had almost entirely ceased, and the black
clouds which previously shut out the face of
heaven rapidly began to break, and drift away to
leeward. But all was dark, wot, and uncomfort-
able. Place myself in what position I chose, my
hands wonld come in cont-act with the soaking
blanket which I had wrapped around me. But
the fire seemed to throw out more warmth, and
the result was apparent in the steam which
ascended from the sodden covering.
Dawn was now at hand was evident, for that
grey cold light which so mysteriously ushers in
the day was creeping over the plain, and, as the
advance guard of the royal sun, was pressing
from his course the darkness that had lately held
paramount sway.
I was beginning to congratulate myself, when
ere was a second disturbance amongst the



\



I time, however, they were more firmly
icured; and the lesson we had learned a few
faoiirs before had not by any means been thrown



258 ''On Dulyr

away, for the boys at once sprang to their
heads, while I stood in their rear and spoke to
them.
It is wonderful how a man's voice will soothe
and reassure a frightened horse.
In a few seconds they had apparently overcome
their terror.
"Baas I look at the wolf I" and to windward
of us stood one of these gentry, about twenty-five
yards off, his eyes and ears denoting the interest
he took in the scene before him.
