Leonard, he declared, had owned country as wide as a horse could gallop across in a day; moreover, he had two hundred tribesmen, heads of families, who fed upon oxen killed for them--twenty oxen a week; and ten principal wives had called him husband.

Juanna asked for the titles of the wives, whereon the undefeated Otter gave them all Kaffir names, not neglecting to describe their lineage, personal charms, and the number and sex of their children.

The tale took about two hours to tell, and after hearing it Juanna conceived a great respect for Otter, but she saw clearly that if she wished for reliable information she must obtain it from Leonard himself.
It was not till the last day of their journey that Juanna found the opportunity she sought.

The voyage had been most prosperous, and they expected to reach the ruined Settlement on the morrow, though whether or not they would find Mr.Rodd there was a matter of anxious conjecture, especially to his daughter.

Day after day they rowed and sailed up the great river, camping at night upon its banks, which would have been pleasant had it not been for the mosquitoes.