So long as the horsemen were in open ground, and at some distance from the lion, they had no cause to fear; but should they approach near and get entangled among the walls, some one of them would be most likely to fall a victim to the ferocious brute.
Low as may be the standard of a Bushman's intellect, there is a species of it peculiar to him in which he appears to excel.

In all matters of hunter-craft, his intelligence, or instinct you might almost call it, is quite a match for the more highly--developed mind of the Caucasian.
This arises, no doubt, from the keen and frequent exercise of those particular faculties,--keen and frequent, because his very existence often depends on their successful employment.
Huge ill-shapen head as Swartboy carried on his shoulders, there was an ample stock of brains in it; and a life of keen endeavour to keep his stomach supplied had taught him their exercise.

At that moment Swartboy's brains came to the relief of the party.
"Baas!" he said, endeavouring to restrain the impatience of his master, "vyacht um bige, mein baas! Leave it to da ole Bushy to close da door.
He do it." "How ?" inquired Von Bloom.
"Vyacht um bige, mein baas! no long to wait,--you see." All three had ridden up together within less than an hundred yards of the kraal.

Von Bloom and Hendrik sat silent, and watched the proceedings of the Bushman.
The latter drew from his pocket a clew of small cord, and, having carefully uncoiled it, attached one end to an arrow.

He then rode up to within thirty yards of the house, and dismounted--not directly opposite the entrance, but a little to the one side--so that the face of the wooden door, which was fortunately but three-quarters open, was thus fair before him.