290 SAFE IN CAMP. 



traversing, spread over the country beyond. As we 

 stood on tlie bank surveying the plain with the 

 binoculars, we perceived two Avater-bucks feeding near 

 the edge of the wood opposite ; so crossing the 

 river, I made a long stalk, as the wind was wrong, 

 and getting to within a hundred and twenty yards of 

 them without being perceived, I killed the largest with 

 the first shot, throwing him in his tracks. Frightened 

 by the report, the other ran a little way, and then 

 turning round to look for its companion, offered me a 

 fair shot, of which I availed myself by administering a 

 " gentle tap " behind the shoulder from the left barrel, 

 after receiving which it ran a few yards and fell dead. 

 The horns of the first were large and handsome; 

 while those of the second were much smaller, and 

 damaged from fighting. 



As it was now almost dark I commenced retrac- 

 ing my steps. While working my way through a wide 

 track, where the reeds stood from fifteen to twenty feet 

 high, I came upon a large herd of buffalo, but it was 

 too dark even to see them ; and getting wind of me 

 when within some fifty yards of them, they ran away, 

 smashing through the dry reeds with a tremendous 

 row. The man who was with me, thinking at first 

 that they were rushing towards us, of course bolted 

 like a good 'un ! Another quarter of an hour saw me 

 safe in camp, the bright fires round which caught my 

 eye when at a considerable distance. On arriving, I 

 found that a good hut had been arranged for me, 

 while the remainder of the party were scarcely less 

 well off, having looked after themselves. Quantities 

 of meat had been cut into strips, and were drying round 



