71 THROUGH ANGOLA 



stirs one to see wild life so close, and so unconscious 

 of man's presence. 



There is the careful approach of the animal 

 that fears that death lies at the pool, the pitiful 

 pretences made to run away from the shadows, 

 just to make sure that those shadows do not hold 

 a waiting lion or leopard, who may be tempted to 

 make a premature attack. Sometimes one may 

 even see the destroyers themselves come down 

 to drink : lion or panther, serval or hunting-dog. 

 These come down stealthily but fearlessly. There 

 may come to the pool, with heavy movement 

 and unperturbed, buffalo or rhinoceros, or even 

 elephant. 



Then there is a happier side of the picture to 

 be seen, more often before dusk has fallen, when 

 some lesser beast or bird comes down to drink 

 and rest. The birds will chatter incessantly. 

 It may be a thanksgiving song for the precious 

 water ; perhaps it is just scandal they talk, but 

 anyhow it sounds happy enough. The lesser 

 animals sometimes linger at the waterside, long 

 enough to let one see something of their ways ; 

 and when there is a young family with them, and 

 father, mother, and little ones have time to play, 

 the watcher will have the best reward of all. 



It is ever a pity to bring death and wounds to 

 scenes like these, and I had never hitherto killed 

 any animal, except lion or leopard, at a night 

 watch. 



And now my diary will speak for itself. 



" Last night I sat up for five hours for the 

 lioness, sat up alone, 2 miles from my cam]), and 



