CHAPTER IV.
THE BAD ROADS OF ANGOLA.
At this moment little Jack awoke, and put his arms around his mother's neck.

His eyes looked better.

The fever had not returned.
"You are better, my darling," said Mrs.Weldon, pressing the sick child to her heart.
"Yes, mama," replied Jack, "but I am a little thirsty." They could only give the child some fresh water, of which he drank with pleasure.
"And my friend Dick ?" he said.
"Here I am, Jack," replied Dick Sand, coming to take the young child's hand.
"And my friend Hercules ?" "Hercules is here, Mr.Jack," replied the giant, bringing nearer his good face.
"And the horse ?" demanded little Jack.
"The horse?
Gone, Mr.Jack," replied Hercules.

"I will carry you.

Will you find that I trot too hard ?" "No," replied little Jack; "but then I shall no longer have any bridle to hold." "Oh! you will put a bit in _my_ mouth, if you wish," said Hercules, opening his large mouth, "and you may pull back so long as that will give you pleasure." "You know very well that I shall not pull back." "Good! You would be wrong! I have a hard mouth." "But Mr.Harris's farm ?" the little boy asked again.
"We shall soon arrive there, my Jack," replied Mrs.Weldon.