CHAPTER XIV. 



KOPAS TO MLEMBO RIVER ELAND AT LAST TROUBLES 



WITH OUR NEW CARAVAN DISCIPLINE MAINTAINED. 



WE left Kopas at an early hour, and after about an 

 hour's march we came to a small village situated at 

 the edge of the forest, and while passing through its 

 gardens crossed the fresh spoor of a herd of eland 

 which had been feeding quite recently on the cassava 

 roots. Ten minutes or so later we struck water and 

 decided to halt. Having selected a favourable spot 

 for our camp and eaten a hasty breakfast, A 

 returned to the village to follow the eland spoor, 

 which led almost immediately into the forest. After 

 about two hours' hard work in dry forest under a 

 scorching sun, beating down on him through the 

 dwarf acacia trees, he succeeded in coming up with 

 the herd, which had for some time been slowly 

 moving on ahead after their usual fashion, and was 

 fortunate enough to secure a fine bull. Messengers 

 were at once despatched to camp, where their arrival 

 caused great rejoicings, and all available men were 

 despatched to bring in the beast. It is difficult to 

 realize the huge size of an eland, which stands about 

 six feet high at the shoulder. Enormous joints of 

 meat were being brought in all day long, the legs 

 requiring two men to carry them, while the massive 



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