268 



THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



very deep burrows, the ramifications of which are 

 most intricate. 



Our intention was most popular among the 

 villagers ; so, when the appointed hour arrived, there 

 were at least a couple of dozen native volunteers 

 assembled to assist in the extermination of their 

 enemies. The arms of all were the favoured knob- 

 kerrie, of which I have formerly spoken, as well as 

 narrated with what skill the Bechuanas use this 

 primitive weapon. 



We were fortunate in our choice of weather, for 

 the night was both dark and still great considerations, 

 for this hunt is conducted by fire-light. To many 

 this will appear impossible. No such thing ; not a 

 bit more so than it is to shoot a deer by the light 

 of a torch, a performance which is accomplished too 

 frequently, I fear, for those beautiful animals long 

 to remain in abundance in the settled parts of North 

 America. 



As we are proceeding to the place where we 

 expect to find the game, I will give the reader a 

 description of it ; for, without a knowledge of what 

 the animal's appearance is, the incidents that occurred 

 on the evening in question would lose much of their 



