midday
Fortunately the creature was mortally wounded , or it might have gone hard with one of the dogs , its poison being very violent ; and the others coming up soon tore it to pieces . `` Your horses behaved admirably , '' said Mr Rogers . `` You must train them , my boys , so that they will stand where you leave them , and take no more notice of a shot fired over their heads than at a distance . '' They halted directly after for a midday meal , the oxen finding a plentiful supply of fresh grass and water , and after a good rest they were once more on the way , the horses behind under the care of Dinny and the Zulu warrior . Mr Rogers and his sons were close to the oxen , Coffee and Chicory were close behind , and they were inspecting the team , which was pulling steadily and well , when Mr Rogers said , -- `` Well , boys , we may as well get our guns . We shall soon be in the hunting country now . '' `` Hi !