330 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



turned back and began to work slowly along the 

 base of the mountains. We kept on a general 

 level a hundred feet or so up their slope, just high 

 enough to give us a point of overlook for any- 

 thing that might stir either in the flat plateau 

 foothills or the plains. We also kept a sharp 

 lookout for signs. 



We had proceeded in this manner for an hour 

 when in an opening between two bushes below 

 us, and perhaps five hundred yards away, we saw 

 a leopard standing like a statue, head up, a 

 most beautiful spectacle. While we watched her 

 through the glasses, she suddenly dropped flat 

 out of sight. The cause we discovered to be 

 three hartebeeste strolling sociably along, stop- 

 ping occasionally to snatch a mouthful, but 

 headed always in the direction of the bushes 

 behind which lay the great cat. Much inter- 

 ested, we watched them. They disappeared 

 behind the screen. A sudden flash marked the 

 leopard's spring. Two badly demoralized harte- 

 beeste stamped out into the open and away ; 

 two only. The kill had been made. 



We had only the one rifle with us, for we were 

 supposed to be out after kudu only, and were 

 travelling as light as possible. No doubt the 

 Springfield would kill a leopard, if the bullet 



