THE LEGEND OF JAN PRINSLOO'S KLOOF. 373 



closer, and it seemed as if the rattling of horses 

 galloping along the rock-strewn path could be 

 distinguished through the storm. Just then the 

 other two Hottentots, who at length had also heard 

 the din, rushed across from their shed, and huddled 

 into the kitchen. Mrs. Goodrick at the same instant 

 ran into the room. " What is the matter, Stephen ? " 

 she cried ; "I am certain there is some dreadful 

 work going on." " Yes, wife, there is some devilish 

 thing happening, and I mean to get to the bottom of 

 it. I haven't hunted fifteen years in the interior, to 

 be frightened by a few strange noises." So speaking, 

 the young farmer went to the sitting-room, took down 

 and quickly loaded two rifles and his revolver, and 

 returned to the kitchen. Handing one rifle to the 

 Hottentot, he said, " Here, Cupido, take this ; I know 

 you can shoot straight, and, if needful, you'll have to do 

 so. Wife, give the Totties a soupje each of brandy." 



This was quickly done, and the result seemed, 

 on the whole, satisfactory, and the Hottentots more 

 reassured. In a few more seconds the storm burst 

 again in one appalling roar, and after it could now 

 be heard the clattering of hoofs up the hillside, 

 mingled with shrieks and shouts. This time the 

 tempest passed rapidly overhead, the dense black 

 clouds rushed on, and suddenly the moon shone 

 out with wonderful brightness. 



Onward came the strange noises, sweeping past 

 the side of the house, as if up to the great stone 

 cattle kraal, that lay sixty yards away. Then was 

 heard the loud report of a gun. Stephen could 

 stand it no longer. " Come on, you fellows, with 

 me," he exclaimed, as he ran out towards the kraal. 

 Cupido and Mrs. Goodrick, who would not be left 



