Whether Mrs Bruin had occupied part of the trunk, we could not positively ascertain.  Quambo expressed his belief that she had been there, but had taken the opportunity, while we went in chase of her spouse, to make her escape with her offspring.  We possibly might have found her; but, with her young to defend, she would have proved a dangerous foe, and, as our torches were almost burnt out, we should have had to encounter her in the dark.  We therefore considered it prudent to proceed on our way.