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there may be water in this wilderness and if there is, the best chance of our

finding it would be to follow this gorge downward. We have enough food and

water left, if we are careful of it, for a couple of days and in that time we might

stumble upon a spring or possibly even reach the fertile country which I know

lies to the south. When Usanga brought me to the Wamabo country from the

coast he took a southerly route along which there was usually water and game in

plenty. It was not until we neared our destination that the country became

overrun with carnivores. So there is hope if we can reach the fertile country south

of us that we can manage to pull through to the coast."

The man shook his head dubiously. "We can try it," he said. "Personally, I do not

fancy sitting here waiting for death."

Smith-Oldwick was leaning against the ship, his dejected gaze directed upon the

ground at his feet. The girl was looking south down the gorge in the direction of

their one slender chance of life. Suddenly she touched him on the arm.

"Look," she whispered.

The man raised his eyes quickly in the direction of her gaze to see the massive

head of a great lion who was regarding them from beyond a rocky projection at

the first turning of the gorge.

Phew!" he exclaimed, "the beggars are everywhere."

They do not go far from water do they," asked the girl hopefully.

I should imagine not," he replied; "a lion is not particularly strong on

endurance."

"Then he is a harbinger of hope," she exclaimed.

The man laughed. "Cute little harbinger of hope!" he said. "Reminds me of Cock

Robin heralding spring."

The girl cast a quick glance at him. "Don't be silly, and I don't care if you do

laugh. He fills me with hope."

It is probably mutual," replied Smith-Oldwick, "as we doubtless fill him with

hope."

The lion evidently having satisfied himself as to the nature of the creatures before

him advanced slowly now in their direction.

"Come," said the man, "let's climb aboard," and he helped the girl over the side of

the ship.

149

Tarzan the Untamed