200 GEMSBOCK. 



we returned to camp. It was five o'clock when we 

 left tlie spot and commenced retracing our steps, and 

 as I knew I was a long way from home I did not fol- 

 low the fresh spoor of a large herd of buffalo which 

 crossed my path about 5.30 p.m. 



Towards evening it became cooler, and we got over 

 the ground at a good pace. When within half an 

 hour's walk of where I had left the dead waterbuck, 

 I saw five gemsbock (oryx gazella), the only specimens 

 of these antelopes I have seen in my rambles. They 

 were feeding quietly towards me, and I resolved to 

 try to kill one. As I was at the time in some thick 

 underwood, I lay down to await their approach, my 

 example being followed by my companions. On they 

 came, and when within sixty yards of me pulled up, 

 and commenced sniffing the tainted air, and looking 

 round them in all directions, evidently aware that 

 some intruder was nigh. Seeing there was no time to 

 lose, and selectuig the largest for my prey, I fired 

 Rigby 10, and as the animal at which I shot gallop- 

 ed away, I discharged the second barrel. The gems- 

 bock ran only a few yards, staggered, and fell dead. 

 On examination I found that one shot, evidently the 

 first, had struck him just behind the shoulder, in a good 

 line for the lungs, while the second had hit about eight 

 inches further back ; both balls having passed through 

 the body. It was a fine handsome animal, with long 

 and perfect horns. I was only able to bring the head 

 as a specimen, and I regretted having to leave its 

 beautiful skin behind. Just at dark I reached the 

 dead waterbuck, and taking his head, which was 



