3IO HUNTING FAVOURITES 



the honour of first shot, in his favour. The range 

 was, say, one hundred and twenty yards, and sharp 

 on the report came the ominous drum-like "thud" 

 sound, that told decisively that the object aimed at 

 was struck. Still the hartebeeste never moved, or 

 indicated in any manner that it was alarmed by the 

 sound of the discharge, or even was aware of our 

 presence. Soon another cartridge was placed in the 

 breech, and the same episode was repeated, but with 

 the difference that the game broke into a gallop on re- 

 ceiving the bullet, and would soon have disappeared 

 had not my comrade sprung into his saddle and 

 followed in hot pursuit. Not deeming for a moment 

 but that the chase would be short, quick, and de- 

 cisive, I ascended a neighbouring acclivity to ob- 

 serve what took place. When I again saw the 

 principals in the drama, they were nearly half a mile 

 off, in comparatively open country, but going at 

 their best pace, and, extraordinary to say, which 

 looked the heavier handicapped was hard to decide. 

 My comrade was not remarkable for his horseman- 

 ship, and a very substantially-built gentleman ; still 

 he was a bold rider, so well I knew that the hunt 

 had developed itself into the question of who could 

 last the longest, and in spite of what my ears had 

 told me of the bullets going straight, I commenced 

 to question their accuracy. But, contrary to the 

 habit of this game, which is to go right away, it 

 kept doubling and turning, making my position 



