NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



" A council of war was now held, as a result of 

 which the fence was repaired, and a second rounding- 

 up movement arranged. The formation was much 

 as before, and the horsemen swept round the hills, 

 centreing, as in the previous drive on the valley 

 which led to the kraal. Fortune was again favour- 

 able, but not extravagantly so, for this time the 

 find was one of only three Zebras and a foal. Taking 

 of necessity the same direction in the main as the 

 larger troop had taken, they showed some independ- 

 ence of judgment in keeping more to the hilly 

 ground, hoping perhaps to break through to the 

 right. In this, however, they were thwarted by 

 the vigilance of the enemy, who gradually forced 

 them into the true course. This meant a run down 

 a steep and rugged mountain side, and afforded a 

 fine opportunity of witnessing the amazing speed 

 with which these wild mountaineers can dash down- 

 hill, treating rocks, boulders and holes with a reck- 

 less contempt, rivalling even that of the fleet- 

 footed Rooi-buck. Down they go into the open 

 veld, straight for the fenced area. Like their pre- 

 decessors, they feel their pursuers closing in behind 

 them, and forge ahead towards the kraal. But again 

 nature's cunning hand is shown. Some subtle 

 instinct warns of danger in front, and they come 

 galloping back over their tracks towards their 

 pursuers, bearing a little to the left, with the evident 

 intention of getting round the outer end of the wing 

 fence. 



