222 THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



The Boers do not like attacking the leopard unless 

 under favourable circumstances ; all the natives, except 

 the Bushmen, decline the contest altogether ; but 

 although this warning may not prevent my country- 

 men hunting it, I trust it will have the effect of 

 guarding them from encountering it, otherwise than 

 with the greatest care and circumspection. 



At mid-day orders were issued to prepare to march 

 in three hours. This command was received in any- 

 thing but a friendly spirit, for my attendants had formed 

 many agreeable acquaintances, and did not consider 

 that they had yet used up half the game that was 

 to be found in the locality. Master Cookey, as usual, 

 was the most mutinous, and, although repeatedly 

 cautioned that such conduct would lead him into 

 trouble, warnings were thrown away upon him. 

 While busy making a new yoke skey, I heard angry 

 words between him and " Chummy." Now, my 

 friend was about the last person to provoke a dis- 

 cussion, or initiate a dispute, but, if led into either, 

 he had a quiet way of his own of getting out of 

 them, which was thoroughly effective and dignified. 

 So, in no way alarmed as to the result, I thrust my 

 head round the corner of the tilt of the wagon (under 



