They did, with the result that their party was afterwards increased by one who had already proved how he could manage the fresh purchases. And if further inducement were needed it was afforded by Mark, who suddenly exclaimed, "I've got it, doctor!" "Got what?" "This fellow can manage ponies splendidly." "Well, we know that," said the doctor drily. "Yes," continued Mark; "but why couldn't a man who can manage dumb animals like that be quite at home with bullocks?" "Good boy," said Sir James. "There is something in that. You mean, for him to take the place of the bullock leader--fore--what you call him." "Loper, father." "Yes. Is there any connection between loper and leaper, doctor?" continued Sir James. "I cannot say on the instant. It wants thinking out, sir. Antelope-- loper--leaper." "Well, never mind that," said Sir James. "But if he can manage the bullocks too that is an additional reason why he should stay." "But he is such a dismal, unhappy sort of fellow," protested Mark. "Yes, boy, but he can be very useful to us though not very ornamental," said the doctor. "No, sir," said Dean, "I believe that the oxen would take fright at him." "Use is second nature, Dean," said Mark. "What do you think little Dan said about him just now?" said Dean. "Can't say, of course," said his uncle. "What did he say?" "That he was all shadow and flam." "Yes," cried Mark; "and Buck Denham compared him to a human skeleton on stilts. I don't like him; but I suppose we shall get used to him in time." "Tut, tut, tut!" ejaculated Sir James. "Don't trifle, boys; this is a serious matter. Here, Mark, go and tell Buck Denham that I want to speak to him." The man came up, looking very serious, and shaking his head. "Very sorry, sir," he said, before Sir James could speak, "but I have just been having it over with that other little black, and he tells me that his mate came to him after the scare about the lion, and said he would not go any further, and went off at once." "Oh," said Sir James. "Well, this is your business, doctor. I said I wouldn't interfere. You are captain. You had better tell Denham what we have been talking about." "Yes. Look here, my man; we have come to the conclusion that this fellow would be very useful with the ponies." "Yes, sir?" "And I want to ask you whether you think he could take the foreloper's place as well?" "Well, sir," said the man, with a grim smile, "he doesn't look much like one, certainly, and I don't believe he knows anything about it." "But couldn't you train him?" "Oh, yes, I could train him, sir. I don't think the beasts would take to him all at once, but it seems to me the queshtun is would he do it?" "I shall make that the condition as to his staying," said the doctor firmly. CHAPTER TWELVE. IN MID-VELDT.