We found that the herd of antelopes which Fritz and Jack had driven
through the Gap, had taken up their abode in the neighbourhood, and
several times we saw the beautiful animals browsing amongst the trees.
While at the farm, we repaired both the animals' stalls, and our
dwelling-room, that the former might be more secure against the
attacks of wild beasts, and the latter fitted for our accommodation
when we should visit the spot.
Everything at length being satisfactorily arranged, we again retired to
rest, and early next morning completed our journey to Rockburg.
By midday we were once more settled at home. Windows and doors were
thrown open to admit fresh air; the animals established in their
stalls; and the cart's miscellaneous cargo discharged and arranged.
As much time as I could spare, I devoted to the ostrich, whom we
fastened, for the present, between two bamboo posts in front of our
dwelling.
I then turned my attention to the eggs we had brought, and which I
determined to hatch, if possible by artificial heat. For this purpose I
arranged a stove, which I maintained at a uniform temperature, and on
it I placed the eggs carefully wrapped in cotton wool.
Next morning Fritz and I went off in the boat first to Whale Island,
there to establish our colonists, the angora rabbits, and then to Shark
Island, where we placed the dainty little antelopes.
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