84 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



it would ascend about 20 ft., utter its call, and 

 rapidly return from where it had previously started, 

 incessantly chirping out its far from unpleasant 

 notes. I was sufficiently close to remark that this 

 bird was a dark brown colour, with black legs and 

 feet, and light lines along the gape of the beak. 

 Its configuration was that of the woodpecker. That 

 it was aware of our presence there could be no 

 doubt, for every time it made its ascent it kept its 

 eyes persistently fixed upon our position/" 



At this time I became aware that I could hear 

 a sound that had not struck my ears before, It 

 resembled the heavy, stertorous breathing of a very 

 large animal when asleep. Sunday called my atten- 

 tion to it by placing his hand beside his ear ; but 

 this was unnecessary, for I knew of its existence 

 minutes previously. 



My guide again motioned to me to follow him. 

 Silently as a panther stalking game we did so for 

 several yards. Then another halt took place. My 

 man was now all excitement ; still he did not lose 

 his self L possession and prudence, for by pantomimic 

 action he expressed a wish that I should substitute 

 new percussion caps for those that were already on 

 the nipples of my rifle. This I at once did, so was 

 ready for whatever adventure or danger was in store 

 for us. That there was a considerable amount of 



* Pomerops niger, Chapman ; Namaqua, " Irrisor " ; Rhino- 

 ceros Bird. 



