1 68 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



the earth around its stem was ploughed up in many 

 instances to the depth of over a foot. The trail 

 here was very distinct, the country comparatively 

 speaking level, and covered with short, crisp grass, 

 such as is only to be found on the uplands that reach 

 to the base of foothills. Although our view was 

 uninterrupted for nearly a mile, nothing was to be 

 seen of the game, so the pursuit was commenced at 

 a swinging trot, so much too fast for me that I had 

 to insist on a more moderate gait, as I was rapidly 

 getting into the state so familiarly known as " bellows 

 to mend." In encountering so dangerous a foe it was 

 absolutely necessary for me to shoot straight, and 

 how could I do so if blown ? so I ordered a halt. 

 Having reorganised our advance, and strictly insisted 

 upon a more moderate pace, we soon after entered a 

 brush-covered country. Our leader, the same man 

 who led the race yesterday, suddenly stopped, 

 shaded his eyes with his hand from the sun, then 

 pointed out the game. The wind being unsuitable, 

 a considerable detour had to be made to avoid the 

 disadvantages that might accrue from it. Sunday 

 then handed me my rifle, I raised my head, and in 

 front of me, at a distance of one hundred and fifty 

 yards, were our old acquaintances. The youngster 

 was almost between the mother's legs, while she 

 kept restlessly turning round as if to repel an attack 

 of some persistent foe ; what it was, at the time, I 

 could not distinguish. That the keitloa had grot our 



