LEOPARD SHOT. 213 



had an abundant supply of all that was needful 

 ready to gratify my hunger, and it took me but 

 short time to satisfy that importunate enemy. Still, 

 before I had done so, the comrades of my day's 

 adventure brought in the mamma of young spitfire. 

 She was found dead some distance up the kloof, but 

 instead of returning to me when they had recovered 

 the carcase, Bechuana-like, the fellows took it to 

 their kraal for exhibition, and doubtless over it, ex- 

 patiated before admiring wives and sweethearts upon 

 the wonderful deeds they had performed in accom- 

 plishing her destruction. I was about to open out 

 upon them in rather forcible language, severely ex- 

 pressive of my indignation at their leaving me alone 

 to find my way home, when, to the surprise of both 

 ''Chummy" and self, a heavy shot was heard from 

 the adjoining copje. In a moment every native was 

 on his feet, and rushed off to the scene of the 

 explosion. Not a soul was left to give an ex- 

 planation of this exodus except that greasy, over-fed 

 rascal Cookey, for gluttony had rendered him obese, 

 and obesity does not produce a desire for violent 

 exercise. For a time he refused an explanation. 

 At length his lordship was pleased to inform us 



