That day they slept on the side of a hill among great rocks, and when they were preparing to start at sundown, Canaris said briefly: "We ought to reach our journey's end before morning." Of the stores they had brought along there now remained but a handful of crumbs. Guy was deeply concerned over the question of supplies for their voyage in case the underground river was discovered, but Canaris bade him not to worry until the time came. With feelings which it would be difficult to describe, they resumed their night-march. An unknown future, full of terrors and fears, yawned before them. It is hard to say what guided Canaris in the direction he took. He had once been over the ground, but it was scarcely possible that he could remember the road so well. He strode on full of confidence, however, his rifle over his shoulder and his revolver ready for use in his right hand. Guy and Melton followed behind in single file. They made slow progress, for Canaris led them in among mountain gorges, and they were compelled to ford streams and clamber painfully over big stones. At last they emerged again on more open ground and traveled through patches of waving grass and scrub, keeping parallel all the while with two mountain ranges that lay to the right and left. The land was full of rolling swells like ocean waves, and as they passed over the crest of one of these ridges a sudden gleam of moonlight shining on water some distance off riveted their attention. As they descended into the hollow it was hidden from view. Several times the Greek halted and scrutinized his surroundings closely. He was not altogether satisfied, for he no longer strode on confidently, but walked with a hesitating step. Guy and Melton shared his anxiety. "What's wrong?" inquired the former. "Have you missed the way, Canaris?" "I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time." While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a halt. The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily, others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat deer to pass that way. A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made them shiver from head to foot. "Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly. "No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."