into life for a second and as quickly vanished 

 scattering and crashing through the jungle. 

 The first clear impression was that of Jock, 

 who after one swift run forward for a few yards stood 

 ready to spring off in pursuit, looking back at me and 

 waiting for the word to go ; but at the sign of my 

 raised hand, opened with palm towards him, he sub- 

 sided slowly and lay down flat with his head resting 

 on his paws. 



" Did you see ? " asked Francis. 

 " Not till you fired. I heard it strike. What was it ? " 

 " Hanged if I know ! I heard it too. It was one 

 of the big uns ; but bull or cow I don't know." 

 " Where did you get it ? " 



" Well, I couldn't make out more than a black patch 

 in the bush. It moved once, but I couldn't see how 

 it was standing end on or across. It may be hit 

 anywhere. I took for the middle of the patch and let 

 drive. Bit risky, eh ? " 



" Seems like taking chances." 



" Well, it was no use waiting : we came for this ! " 

 and then he added with a careless laugh, " They always 

 clear from the first shot if you get 'em at close quarters, 

 but the fun'll begin now. Expect he'll lay for us in 

 the track somewhere." 



That is the way of the wounded buffalo we all 

 knew that ; and old Rocky's advice came to mind 

 with a good deal of point : " Keep cool and shoot 

 straight or stay right home " ; and Jock's expectant 

 watchful look smote me with another memory " It 

 was my davvg ! " 



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