HUNTING ADVENTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 275 



I resolved at night to watch the water, and try what could 

 be done by night shooting. I accordingly ordered the usual 

 watchirig-hole to be constructed ; and having placed my 

 bedding in it, repaired thither shortly after sundown. I had 

 lain about two hours in the hole, when I heard a low rum- 

 bling noise like distant thunder, caused, as the Bechuanas 

 affirmed, by the bowels of the elephants which were approach- 

 ing the fountain. I lay on my back, with my mouth open, 

 attentively listening, and could hear them ploughing up the 

 earth with their tusks. 



Presently they walked up to the water, and commenced 

 drinking within fifty yards of me. They approached with 

 so quiet a step, that I fancied it was the footsteps of jackals 

 which I heard ; and I was not aware of their presence until 

 I heard the water, which they had drawn up in their trunks 

 and were pouring into their mouths, dropping into the foun- 

 tain. I then peeped from my hiding-place, with a beating 

 heart, and beheld two enormous bull elephants, which looked 

 like two great castles, standing before me. I could not see 

 very distinctly, for there was only starlight. 



Having lain on my breast some time taking my aim, I let 

 fly at one of the elephants, using the Dutch rifle carrying six 

 to the pound. The ball told loudly on his shoulder, and 

 uttering a loud cry, he stumbled through the fountain, when 

 both made off in different directions. All night large herds 

 of zebras, and blue wildebeests capered around me, coming 

 sometimes within a few yards. Several parties of rhinoce- 

 roses also made their appearance. I felt a little apprehensive 

 that lions might visit the fountain, and every time that hyenas 

 or jackals lapped the water I looked forth, but no lions ap- 

 peared. At length I fell into a sound sleep, nor did I again 

 raise my head until the bright star of morn had shot far 

 above the eastern horizon. 



On the 27th, as day dawned, I left my shooting-hole, and 

 proceeded to inspect the track of my wounded elephant. 



