246 THE WOODLANDS ORCHIDS 



the compass, and he took that which would brhig him 

 to the edge of the first clearing with the wind in his 

 face. 



It was just light enough when they arrived to see half a 

 dozen dark forms above the misty grass. Forthwith Pablo 

 crept out from the trees, walking backwards, his left arm 

 round the ox's neck, and his stooped body behind its 

 shoulder. Thus he could see nothing. It was unnecessary. 

 The ox marched on, its broadside towards the deer, very 

 softly, but always zigzagging closer. As the light strength- 

 ened, Oversluys watched with growing pleasure. Very soon 

 the deer noticed this intrusion and ceased feeding ; then the 

 ox dropped its head and grazed. Again and again this 

 occurred. So long as one deer remained upon the watch it 

 kept its head down, but when the last recovered confidence, 

 instantly it advanced. Pablo's old gun could not be trusted 

 beyond fifty yards or so. The deer became more restless. 

 They drew together — Oversluys saw they would bound off in 

 a moment. Just then the ox wheeled actively — they flew. 

 But one rolled over, shot through the chest. 



Oversluys was so pleasantly excited that he ran to pat the 

 clever creature. Then he assisted Pablo to load up the game. 

 It was broad daylight now. In lifting the body he noticed 

 some large yellow flowers which it had crushed in falling. 

 They were pretty and curious in shape. He glanced at the 

 leaves — they were large, polished, and very stiff. A wild 

 fancy struck him. He compared the drawing. There was 

 no doubt ! Scores of Oncidium splendidum starred the tall 

 grass all around ! 



I do not try to paint his raptures. A few weeks later 

 many thousand plants were on their way to Europe. But the 

 point of the story is that Mr. Oversluys had seen and even 

 admired this flower many a time on the upland savannahs in 

 riding past. He was looking for orchids, however, and who 



