54 THE AUTHOR GOES EST PURSUIT. , 



much regretted: the horse, moreover, was the best of the 

 two we had brought from the Cape. 



On examining the ground, we were glad to find that the 

 other horse and remaining mule had made good their escape 

 down the bed of the river, though evidently pursued by the 

 lions for some distance. How many of these beasts there 

 really had been we were unable to ascertain, but they could 

 not have been less than seven or eight. 



Having thus far ascertained the fate of the poor animals, 

 we dispatched our brave wagon-driver for Stewardson and 

 the remainder of the men, as also for proper guns and 

 ammunition, as we had determined, if possible, to have our 

 revenge. 



On leaving Scheppmansdorf, we had, unfortunately, only 

 brought with us three or four small goats as provision for the 

 journey. This scanty supply was now nearly exhausted, and 

 it being uncertain when we should meet with any native 

 village where we could barter for more, we deemed it ad- 

 visable, in order to provide against contingencies, to lay in a 

 store of mule-flesh and horse-flesh ; and though our people 

 seemed horror-stricken at the idea, there was not a second 

 alternative. While waiting the return of tlie men, we ac- 

 cordingly set about cutting ofi" from the slain animals such 

 pieces as had not been defiled by the lions. This being 

 accomplished, we covered the meat with a heap of stones, 

 and the men having arrived, we proceeded in search of the 

 depredators. 



But, though we beat both sides of the river for a consider- 

 able distance, we were unable to discover the beasts. At 

 one tim'e, and when I was quite alone on the inner side of 

 the thick reed-bed that lined the bank, I observed some 

 beautiful " klip-springers," or mountain gazelles, and fired both 

 barrels, though, unfortunately, without effect. The report of 

 my gun caused a momentary consternation to Mr. Gallon 

 and the men, who imagined that I had fallen in with the 



