THE BUFFALO. 229 



at night to the leeward of the tents, in order to terrify the 

 buffaloes should they attempt to enter the coppice in our 

 vicinity. Everything being carried out according to the 

 programme, we appointed sentinels, who were to remain on 

 duty two hours each, and their business was to announce 

 any danger to our position from the advance of the shaggy 

 multitude, and to keep the fires burning. I was on duty 

 about 2 a.m. when I heard the muffled roar produced by 

 many hoofs galloping over grass ; but as I could see noth- 

 ing, although the moon was bright and the fires burned 

 fiercely, I did not like to awaken my sleeping companions 

 until I knew which way the columns were coming. 



In about fifteen or twenty minutes I saw a black mass 

 emerge from the horizon and come thundering toward our 

 position with measured pace, and a few moments later I 

 could detect the outlines of the buffaloes. Not knowing 

 which way they were really heading, owing to the bi'oad 

 front of the column, and fearing they might be down upon 

 us unless I was prompt in action, I fired my rifle, and in 

 two minutes thereafter every member of the encampment 

 was out, dressed and armed, yet not one of them had been 

 aroused by the uproar created by the advancing hosts. 

 Taking position to the leeward of the camp, we commenced 

 firing at them as soon as they came within range, and 

 banged away uninterruptedly for ten minutes, as we feared 

 they might ride down our camp or stampede our horses, if 

 they came too close. The firing soon produced its effect, 

 for the herd divided, some going straight ahead, while oth- 

 ers plunged into the river and crossed to the opposite side. 

 They were so thick in some parts of the stream that the 

 water looked fairly black with them ; and thi*ough this they 

 ploughed and rushed in the wildest confusion. This scene 

 was as unusual to us as it was spirited, and we enjoyed it 

 thoroughly. When they vanished from our sight all retired 

 to bed again, except the sentinel on duty ; but the novelty 

 and animation of the scene prevented me from wooing gen- 

 tle slumber for some time. 



We were astir at daybreak the next morning, and, after 



