CROCODILE SHOOTING. 281 



evidently no intention of abatement in the price. Of 

 course, this animal would be guaranteed as saulted, and 

 with fair luck you might make his value ten times over 

 in ivory secured through his assistance ; but I hesitated 

 to run the risk. I had further a hope that something 

 cheaper might be procured at Bamanwatto. 



In the afternoon I went down to the river ; there I 

 met two young Boers, who were shooting crocodiles, 

 the reptiles having incurred their enmity by having 

 lately carried off several goats and sheep. I remained 

 with them for some time, and saw some very good 

 shooting done ; one immense brute, quite sixteen feet 

 long, although swimming rapidly at the distance of 

 fifty yards, was hit fair in the eye. It turned on its 

 back a moment after as dead as dead could be. 



I attended prayers in the evening, and after worship 

 was over, brought the old gentleman to sup with me ; 

 he enjoyed his food, his pipe, and last, though not least, 

 his soupje of MartelTs cognac. 



" Bass, Bass, a Boer man wants you," energetically 

 called Umganey. 



Day was but commencing to break, and I was 

 still asleep when thus disturbed. I hurriedly pulled 

 on my pantaloons and boots, and came forth. With 

 the assistance of the driver I was able to make out the 

 cause of the early visit. A drove of elephants had 

 passed during the night, and the Boers wished me to 

 accompany them in the hunt. 



I thanked my visitor for his courtesy, but explained 

 that I had no horse. This had been anticipated, 

 however, and a mount was at my service. Hurriedly 

 swallowing my coffee, filling my pockets with rusk and 

 beltong, buckling on a sharp pair of spurs, and 



