26 NATURE AND SPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA 



under a high, flat-topped, stony hill. The fires were 

 lighted ; the horses fed on their usual fare (mealies), 

 end fastened for the night to the wagon- wheels ; 

 the oxen were soon lying peacefully at their yokes. 

 We cooked a capital supper of game-bird stew, and 

 then sat smoking and chatting by the pleasant fire- 

 light. Above us loomed, vast and hollow, the 

 wonderful night sky of deep indigo, gemmed with 

 a million diamond points of stars. The air was cool 

 and delicious. We were now at last on the verge of 

 the game country (we found koodoo on the morrow), 

 and the pleasures of anticipation lent an added zest 

 to the charm of night by the camp-fire in the African 

 wilderness. 



