"We are left with our two rifles and one revolver between us," remarked Hughes. "If ever I get the chance of paying off these thieves, won't I?" Matumba took the arm, and, turning to his men, distributed the rifles among them. A sharp conversation followed, unintelligible to the Europeans, save that the Amatonga pointed several times to the two remaining rifles. "The white men," resumed Matumba, once more turning to them, "are near their friends. They have no need of their guns, the Amatonga are far from their kraal. Let them give the two guns, which are now useless." "Never, Matumba," exclaimed Wyzinski, springing to his feet and cocking both barrels of his piece. "Look out, Hughes, they mean mischief. We have kept our word, Amatonga. Keep yours." A sharp conversation ensued between the natives, all talking together, the chief, Matumba, evidently trying to keep them within bounds, while they as evidently wished to take the coveted rifles by force. Placing their backs against the rocks, their rifles ready, the two waited the result, but great was their relief when the whole party, after much talking, at last moved off in Indian file, and disappeared under the deepening forest shade. "We are well out of that, Wyzinski," remarked Hughes, as he seated himself at the foot of the rock, "and now, what are we to do next?" "Break ground as soon and as speedily as possible. We have but to follow the stream, and we shall be within the walls of Senna in three hours." The little tent was struck, the knapsacks strapped on, and their rifles at the trail, both moved rapidly away. But a deep cut they found ran between them and the Portuguese fort. It was filled with heavy timber and luxuriant undergrowth. Night came on, and there was no moon, so that the direction of the stream was soon lost, and they were brought to a stand still. "Let us halt here," said Wyzinski, as they pushed their way through a clump of mimosa, and gained a small clearing, hemmed in on every side by the forest. "We can reach Senna by early morning, and I am half dead with hunger." A fire was lit, some strips of venison cut from an eland killed the previous day, roasted on the embers, and they made a hearty meal. "It will be a relief to me to see the inside of the fort, Hughes," said Wyzinski. "I misdoubt those Amatongas." "They have done better by us than your favourite Matabele. I never thought Masheesh would have left us thus. If you will take the first turn, I'll have a sleep," replied Hughes.