Horns 



as we started to rush forward, but I had imagined 

 it was only due to their all taking the same direc- 

 tion in flight. Of course, to make progress at all 

 in such abominable going, one's eyes had to be 

 fixed upon one's feet, and therefore the move- 

 ments of the herd could not be seen during our 

 short forward rush. The point we had aimed for 

 and reached would, we had thought, take them 

 in a diagonal line away from us and across our 

 front. After closing up they had, however, 

 turned ; and the direction they appeared to be 

 taking, for they were moving forward in short, 

 sharp steps, evidently a very enraged herd, would 

 bring them diagonally just past our right front. 

 Did they swerve but slightly in their charge, for 

 there could be little doubt about their amiable 

 intentions, they would be over us. We were both 

 in the open, and there was no clump of bushes of 

 any size near us that the herd could not go right 

 through. I shall probably never see such a sight 

 again, nor will it be ever effaced from my memory. 

 The bison at all times in his native jungles is a 

 magnificent beast. With black, glossy, gleaming 

 back and flanks, clean snow-white stockings, and 

 massive head, what a picture he makes when, 

 turned to bay and really angry, he stands quiver- 

 ing with rage and fury before his wild onslaught 

 on to his foe. Such I had seen before, and for such 

 I was prepared. But to see the picture multiplied 

 by thirty ! It was stupendous ! 



L 145 



