"Yes, I know, mate," replied Buck, "but it's well alight now, and you are quite safe there. Now, gen'lemen, can you see him?" "Yes; take care!" cried Mark. "I can see its eyes gleaming. Look, doctor--can't you see?" "Yes, quite plainly. Some animal that has crept in here to die." "That's it, sir," cried Bob Bacon. "I can see him too. Here, don't waggle the light about like that, Buck. Look, gentlemen; there arn't much sperrit left in him, for he's lying up against the side there as quiet as a mouse." "Quiet enough," said the doctor; "but take care. The brute may have life enough left in it to scratch." "Not him, sir," said Buck, who now took a couple of steps forward, shaking the light to and fro to make it flare more brightly. "He arn't got much scrat left in him, sir." "What is it--an old leopard?" "No, sir. There, I can see quite plain now. It's one of them baboons, same as live on some of these kopjes; and a whacker too, and as grey as a Devon badger. Here, Bob Bacon, as you are so precious anxious to have the light, catch hold. I will soon see whether he will scratch or not." "What are you going to do, man?" cried the doctor, as the exchange of torchbearer was effected. "Lug him out, sir." "No, no! You will get torn." "Nay, sir. He's got no scrat in him." "Perhaps not, Buck," said Mark excitedly, "but I have read that those things can bite like a dog. Stand still and let me shoot." "Nay, sir; let's have him out into the light." Before any protest or fresh order could be given the big driver thrust out a hand and gripped the grey-looking object which had crawled apparently right to the end of the cavernous hole. There was a faint struggle, and a low guttural cry. "There's no bite in him, sir," cried Buck. "I don't believe he's got a tooth in his head. Now then, old 'un; out you come!" By this time Buck had got hold of a long, thin, hairy arm, and overcoming a slight resistance and scuffling, began to walk backwards, dragging his prisoner after him, his companions making way, a low whining noise escaping from the prisoner the while. "Gently, Bob Bacon," cried Buck. "My hair's quite short enough. No singeing, please. You might have seen that I got Dunn Brown to operate upon me with those scissors of his." "Here, let me come by you, Mark," cried the doctor, excitedly. "No, sir; I wouldn't, sir," cried Bob Bacon. "I have only just got room to hold the light up as it is, and Buck Denham's so precious particular." "Yes," said Buck, "and I want to get my catch out. You back with the light, Bob; and make a little room, gen'lemen. It's all right. We don't want any light now to show as this is one of them baboons--a long one, 'most as big as me." All backed away now, leaving room for Buck, who dragged his captive along the windings of the dark cavern, commenting upon his appearance the while.