HUNTING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. 



205 



GUINEA FOWL. 



were roaring in all directions, and no friendly fire or beacon 

 presenting itself to my view, the only alternative was to bi- 

 vouac where I was, and to renew my search in the morning. 

 Kindling a fire, I formed a thick bush into a pretty secure 

 hut, by cutting away the middle, and closing the entrance 

 with thorns ; and having knee-haltered my horse to prevent 

 his straying, I proceeded to dine upon a guinea-fowl that I 

 had killed, comforting myself with another draught of aqua 

 pura. The monarchs of the forest roared incessantly, and 

 so alarmed my horse, that I was obliged repeatedly to fire my 

 rifle to give him confidence. It was piercingly cold, and all 

 my fuel being expended, I suffered as much from chills as I 

 had during the day from the scorching heat. About three 

 o'clock, completely overcome by fatigue, I could keep my 

 eyes open no longer, and commending myself to the protect- 

 ing care of Providence, fell into a profound sleep. On open- 



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