The pool was about ten minutes' walk from the house; I arrived at it with palpitating heart, and going round to its end, where the stream was shallow, sat down to rest for a few moments and take a few sips of cool water dipped up in my palm.

Presently I rose, crossed the stream, and began running, keeping among the low trees near the bank until a dry gully, which extended for some distance across the savannah, was reached.

By following its course the distance to be covered would be considerably increased, but the shorter way would have exposed me to sight and made it more dangerous.

I had put forth too much speed at first, and in a short time my exertions, and the hot sun, together with my intense excitement, overcame me.

I dared not hope that my flight had not been observed; I imagined that the Indians, unencumbered by any heavy weight, were already close behind me, and ready to launch their deadly spears at my back.