A STALK. 117 



generalled, so it became necessary, if I desired to 

 be successful, to enter into a new plan of campaign. 

 Therefore I went for one of my boys ; I selected 

 the Hottentot, as he was the lighter weight, and 

 thus accompanied, recommenced the hunt. After 

 traversing a couple of miles of as beautiful riding 

 ground as the most fastidious could desire (barring 

 the ant-hills), I again discovered the pauw, con- 

 siderably augmented in numbers, indolently feeding 

 on a sunny slope fairly sprinkled with karroo brush. 

 But their position was so open that for a long time 

 I feared it would be impossible for me to get within 

 easy range. 



I was about deciding to give up the pursuit as 

 impossible, or chance a long distance shot at the birds, 

 when it struck me that between me and them ran a 

 donga, or land-crack. A careful inspection of the 

 ground with my field-glass assured me that such was 

 the case ; still I felt more than uncertain that if I 

 gained its friendly shelter I should be within a 

 desirable shooting distance. However, Master Tottie 

 and I withdrew from our place of observation, and 

 held counsel on the subject. The decision was that 

 he was to make a detour with the mare, and get to 



