xx THE ANTELOPE 335 



down. To my surprise, two dogs suddenly rushed past me ; they 

 had heard the shot, and had seen that the buck was wounded, but 

 I have no idea where they were at the time, unless with the cattle 

 in the distance. They crossed the stream at full speed, rushed 

 up the slope through grass about 2 feet high, upon the blood-track, 

 and the buck, which was still in the same position, did not 

 observe them until they appeared in full attack within 30 paces. 

 Away it flew upon the instant ! The chase commenced, and 

 although the poor buck had only three useful legs, it kept well 

 ahead and appeared to gain upon the dogs for the first 150 yards, 

 but unfortunately for itself there were some acres of irrigated land, 

 and this being soft, although apparently sound turf, the buck was 

 at a disadvantage. The dogs did not sink in the treacherous soil, 

 and after a short run they closed, and at once pulled the buck 

 upon the ground. 



Some natives who had been watching me observed the hunt, 

 and they came from the direction of the village, running like so 

 many hounds ; but no sooner did they arrive upon the scene than 

 they commenced hammering the good dogs with their heavy 

 bamboos as though they intended to kill them on the spot. It 

 was with some difficulty that I stopped them ; but in spite of the 

 assault the plucky dogs had not relaxed their hold, and they 

 gripped the throat of the buck with determined fury. After some 

 trouble the natives choked them off; but again and again they 

 returned to the attack, exhibiting a savage nature that I foresaw 

 would make them invaluable allies. 



I hired both these dogs, together with their owners. They 

 were a cross between the ordinary native dog and the large breed 

 which is known as belonging to the Bandjarahs. The latter is a 

 tribe somewhat similar to the gypsies of Eastern Europe. These 

 people are hereditary carriers, and travel enormous distances, 

 conveying the various productions of India to the different 

 commercial centres, upon pack oxen. They are accompanied by a 

 peculiar breed of dogs, large and fierce, which guard their animals 

 during the night's bivouac. 



The two dogs which I engaged were Cabre' and Mora. 



Cabre' was only twelve months old ; he was a black dog, with 

 smooth hair. Mora was the same colour, but rather long in the 

 coat. Both were about 26 inches at the shoulder. These animals 

 became my staunch companions, although Cabre* never took to 

 Europeans ; he did not exhibit the slightest regard for myself 

 personally, but he was enthusiastic in sport, and the report of the 

 rifle was quite sufficient to awaken the keenest delight, as he knew 



