378 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA chap. 



the naked eye, the black backs of a large herd of 

 buffalo grazing peacefully at no great distance. I 

 thought it would be most interesting and quite safe 

 to walk over and take a closer view, and, if possible, 

 get a photograph of them. From where I stood I 

 thought this might easily be done by stalking along 

 under cover of a ridge and some long grass which 

 extended almost up to the beasts. Accordingly we 

 set out and walked carefully along under cover, 

 until we suddenly found ourselves close to a single 

 bull standing apart from the rest of the herd. He 

 did not see us at first, but a treacherous gust of 

 wind told him of our presence, and he came 

 straight towards us at a gallop. I was surprised 

 at this, as, unless molested, a buffalo as a rule 

 clears off on scenting danger, but I found out after- 

 wards that these beasts had lately been attacked 

 by several parties, and were therefore very vicious. 

 I was much alarmed at his sudden onset, and having 

 no desire to see the brute vent his rage on one 

 of us, I covered him with my rifle, at the same time 

 asking Mrs. B. to fire, as I intended to wait until 

 he was quite close so as to make a sure shot. The 

 next thing I saw was the great bull taking a header 

 while still in full career, stopped by my companion's 

 timely and well-placed bullet. 



I was naturally delighted, but the next second 

 my joy was turned into the gravest anxiety, for lo ! 



