THE GNU. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



ON THE CREST OF THE HILL. 



WHEN Jack Harvey explained the 

 reason for his conclusion, his friends 

 were satisfied, only wondering that they 

 had failed to note the signs that guided 

 him so well. 



It followed, therefore, that while no 

 immediate danger from the source threat- 

 ened, there were wild men not far off, 

 and no precaution against a visit from 

 them was to be neglected. 



The following morning, the four 

 white persons, accompanied by Pongo, 

 the Bushman, rode to the top of an ele- 

 vation, about a half mile from camp, to 

 gain a survey of the surrounding country, 

 and to settle upon their plan of campaign, as it may be termed. Reaching the 

 crest of the circular hill, covered only with grass, the view was most extended 

 and interesting. 



They found themselves in the center of a genuine South African landscape. 

 Far to the northward rose a ridge of mountains, whose crests almost pierced the 

 snow line, while the scores of square miles in other directions were broken by 

 winding streams, jungles, broad sweeping plains, swamps, and groves that gave a 

 variety to the scene that would have delighted the heart of a painter. 



While the rest employed their eyes in the pleasing task of surveying this de- 

 lightful picture, Mr. Godkin made good use of his glasses, which had served him on 

 former occasions. He possessed more experience than any of his companions in 

 hunting wild animals, and few points escaped him. It may be said that his view 

 was a business one, for, in spite of the sport and adventure that must of necessity 

 accompany their stay in the Dark Continent, the expedition had its definite purpose 

 in coming so far, and there was no time to be thrown away in diversions or side 

 issues. 



The most interesting feature of the landscape was th5 animate portion which 

 gradually impressed itself upon the vision of the spectators. 



It would be impossible to enumerate the different animals which, at various 

 times, were discerned from this elevation. From the accounts sent me by Dick 

 and Bob I name the following : 



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