CHAP. I. BUFFALO. 31 



good deal, and were not inclined to stop soon when once 

 they were disturbed ; but at last we heard them breaking 

 through the bush on the outside of which we were, and a 

 smart run to cut them off ensued, in which I was able to 

 pass the others and to be within two hundred yards 

 when, after gtiUoping through a small open in view, they 

 pulled up and faced round to have a look at us ere they 

 took refuge in the next thicket, — a pause that I took 

 advantage of to fire both barrels at them. I had hardly 

 expected to do anything, as I had a smooth bore ; but was 

 agreeably surprised on reaching the spot to find a drop 

 or two of blood on the spoor, and just inside the thicket 

 to find a young bull lying dead, while the continuation 

 of the blood-marks showed that both bullets had taken 

 effect. After ao-ain followino; them for over an hour, 

 during which they turned and twisted in and out of the 

 numerous Bamba 'mpalla thickets, we found them enter 

 one of rather greater extent ; and as I had somehow got 

 last, on seeing an opening parallel to the one down which 

 we were going, I struck into it, hoping to get on faster. 

 Just at this moment the buffalo could be heard breaking 

 in front ; and finding that I had got into a cul-de-sac , I 

 had to turn back and follow the others, which I did at a 

 run. Suddenly I heard a shot, and a buffalo charging, 

 and quickening my pace, was in thne to see the second 

 hunter — a miserable coward — throw his loaded gun down 

 and climb into a small tree. Everything in front of him 

 was concealed by the smoke ; but just as he left the path 

 his place was occupied by a buffalo's head, the owner of 

 which instantly catching sight of me, came on with a 

 grunt. I had neither time to fire nor run before it struck 



