"Now, boys," said David, "we have talked with Andrew long enough, and I think we must leave him to Kate's care again. Your chattering is too exciting, and he has not got strong yet." "Oh, but we will be very quiet, and merely listen to him, if he is inclined to talk," said Leo. "That is the very thing I do not wish him to do," observed David. "I feel quite strong," I said. "Pray do not send the boys away unless they wish to go." However, the doctor was inexorable. While we were speaking, Chico had stolen back to his corner. Presently I saw Leo eyeing him, and hiding his face for fear of laughing. Chico by degrees made his way up to the bottle, and slily unhooking it, put the spout to his lips and began tugging away with might and main. Presently casting it from him, with a loud chattering he rushed back to his corner spluttering and spitting vehemently. Leo now gave way to his laughter, in which all the party joined. Even Kate could not resist laughing, nor could I, though my merriment was somewhat faint, I suspect. Chico looked indignantly at us, as if he did not at all like being made fun of. "I told you," said David, holding up his finger, "if you would drink from that bottle you would repent it." He now took the bottle, and offered the contents to Leo and Natty, which they naturally refusing, he emptied it, and washed it out thoroughly. "It is quite clean now for Master Koodoo," he observed. "Now, boys, take off your new pet, and try how quickly, by gentle treatment, you can tame it." "I must ask Chickango and Igubo to get me one," exclaimed Bella. "I should like to have a beautiful creature like that for a pet, and I am sure I could soon make it love me." "That must depend on whether one happens to jump into a pit," said Leo. "That was the way this one was caught. The mother managed to scramble out, but was shot while attempting to help her young one." "Yes, and it seemed very cruel to kill the creature at such a moment. I should not like to have done it," observed Natty. "That I am sure of," whispered Bella. "Natty would never wish to hurt any creature." The boys now led off the little koodoo. Stanley soon afterwards arrived, followed by Jack, with some beautiful birds and several rock-rabbits which they had shot. They congratulated me warmly on being so much better. I caught sight also of Timbo, Igubo, and his two sons. "What has become of Chickango?" I asked, afraid, from not seeing him, that some accident had happened. "The faithful fellow has gone to Walfish Bay with Senhor Silva," said Stanley. "We attempted in vain to find a native who would carry our message, and at last our Portuguese friend, though knowing the fearful risks he will run, undertook the journey, when Chickango insisted on accompanying him."