WITHIN RANGE. 311 



of verifying with my own eyes the statements of the 

 natives. 



The elephants were then distant about three 

 quarters of a mile, slowly browsing amongst some 

 brushwood at the foot of a low ridge. A few 

 seconds enabled me to make my arrangements. 

 Leaving a couple of men on the rock to watch their 

 movements, I proceeded with the rest to the attack, 

 making a considerable circuit in order to get to the 

 leeward of our game the wind being at first ex- 

 ceedingly unfavourable. 



Having gained the foot of the hill where the 

 animals were last seen, I sent two natives ahead, 

 up the hill, to reconnoitre. A low whistle, the sig- 

 nal to advance, was soon heard, which quickly- 

 brought me alongside of the scouts. The elephants 

 were still almost on the spot where they had been 

 first seen, but I could only make out two. Putting 

 fresh priming and cap to my rifle, and ramming the 

 bullet well home, I dropped noiselessly down the 

 rock, accompanied by one of my own Damaras, 

 who carried a spare gun. The rest of the party 

 were instructed to remain quiet within their hiding- 

 place. A couple of minutes' walk brought me 

 within range of one of the elephants, and, the cover 

 being admirable, I advanced to within about twenty- 

 five paces of the spot where he stood. lie was 

 then somewhat aslant from me, but soon turned his 

 broadside. Some minutes, however, elapsed before 

 I could make out the exact position of his shoulder. 

 1 once attempted to get a little ahead of him, but 

 soon found my situation less favourable than before, 



