ON THE CREST OF THE HIM.. 127 



" Down ! " whispered Dick, sinking lower in the grass, " or we shall scare them 

 away." 



The two almost lay on their faces, holding their heads only high enough to keep 

 the animals in sight. 



Gazing toward the hill for a half minut- or so, the creatures next stared so earn- 

 estly in the direction of the distant horseman that there could be little doubt they 

 observed him. 



" I wonder what they think of Jack," said Bob, unconsciously lowering his voice, 

 as though he feared that any tone above a whisper would betray them. 



" If they're capable of thinking, they can't help admiring the handsome fellow." 



" That is well enough, if they are not frightened off." 



"Jack is so far away that they must believe there is no cause for fear. Therel 

 that's what I suspected." 



The oryxes resumed grazing, and, a few minutes later, the Texan passed out 

 of sight beyond the grove. 



