18 STALKS ABROAD 



noise, between a squeak and a whistle ; though 

 whether it was a signal of alarm to the baud or 

 a summons to their own particular offspring I was 

 never able to determine. 



They always make for the open when frightened, 

 and are usually led by an old doe. The bucks carry 

 their heads in a peculiar manner ; not held back 

 like a deer's, but rather lurching forward. 



They are subject to sudden impulses and will 

 start off at their best pace for no apparent reason, 

 and stop as abruptly. A large band will some- 

 times indulge in a game of general post ; and a 

 very pretty sight it is. I once saw fifteen or twenty 

 antelope, led by a big buck which I had, alas ! 

 missed, stop within a quarter of a mile of the 

 place from which I had fired at them, and incident- 

 ally of our camp, and chase each other for a good 

 twenty minutes. The big buck finally chased a 

 smaller one right down the ridge which they had 

 just left, and it was only the failing light which 

 prevented my getting another shot. When walking 

 slowly they have a somewhat stilted appearance, 

 which entirely vanishes as they reach a gallop. 

 The latter is beautifully easy and regular, carry- 

 ing them over the ground at a great pace. 



The bucks travel in the early mornings and late 

 evenings when searching for the does, and keep 

 quiet during the daytime. Like all animals they 

 are more easily approached in the small hours than 

 at any other time. 



