The necessity for providing fresh provisions took the brothers out again next day, but there were no more herds visible, as far as their glass would show, anywhere out upon the plain; but at last they caught sight of half-a-dozen of the graceful little springboks, and after a long gallop got close enough to try a couple of shots, which proved successful; and a little buck was borne home in triumph, a portion cooked, and Dyke sat watching his brother eat that evening, till Emson looked up. "Why, hullo!" he cried; "not well?" "Oh yes, I'm quite right," replied Dyke hastily. "Then why don't you eat?" "Because I wanted you to make up for the past," said the boy, laughing. "I'm a meal ahead of you. I had such a splendid dinner yesterday off the eland." Next morning, upon their visit to the ostrich-pens, Emson's face brightened, for there was excitement among the birds, the great hen having hatched every egg of those they had brought home in the net; and for the next few days everything possible was done in the way of feeding, so as to help the young brood on into a state of strength. "Oh, it's all right, Joe," said Dyke; "all we've got to do is to keep on scouring the plain and finding nests. We shall succeed after all." "Yes, but you must scout off after some meal and coffee; we can't get on without those." "And sugar." "And sugar. What do you say to starting to-morrow?" "I'm ready," said Dyke; and after warning Jack, and making the necessary preparations over night, they sought their couches, and rose before daybreak to go and rouse up the Kaffir and his wife. The latter soon had her fire glowing; Jack grumpily fetched water, and then proceeded to yoke the bullocks to the wagon, after which he settled down to his breakfast; and after feeding his stock, Emson mounted his horse to ride a few miles with his brother, both keeping a sharp lookout for game; while Duke, who was of the party, kept on hunting through the hushes, and now and then starting a bird. It was getting toward mid-day before anything was shot, and then another little springbok fell to Emson's piece, just as they reached the water where they were to make their first halt. The buck was divided, part to go back to Kopfontein and some to form part of Dyke's provision, while another portion was cooked at once and eaten. "There," said Emson at last, "I don't think I need say any more to you, old fellow. Jack knows the way well enough. Set him to drive the bullocks, and you ride beside and drive him. Keep a tight rein, and if he shows his teeth and isn't obedient, tell him you'll shoot him, and take aim at once, or he won't believe you." "Rather sharp practice, Joe, isn't it?" "Not with a man like that. He'll be ready to play upon you in every way, and you must let him see that you do not mean to be imposed upon. Sounds harsh, but I know Master Jack by heart." "You do think he'll take me straight to all the water?"