No wonder there was anxiety that night in the kraal of the field-cornet.
At intervals Von Bloom went out to ascertain whether there was any change in the wind.

Up to a late hour he could perceive none.

A gentle breeze still blew from the north--from the great Kalihari desert-- whence, no doubt, the locusts had come.

The moon was bright, and her light gleamed over the host of insects that darkly covered the plain.
The roar of the lion could be heard mingling with the shrill scream of the jackal and the maniac laugh of the hyena.

All these beasts, and many more, were enjoying a plenteous repast.
Perceiving no change in the wind, Von Bloom became less uneasy, and they all conversed freely about the locusts.