A QUICK SHOT. 187 



;w at intervals between the veldt and the water, 

 .s all wild animals go up wind before lying down, 

 although occasionally some turn a short distance 

 back upon their course, we resolved in a protracted 

 line to beat up against the breeze. Again there was 

 the same chevying of steinbok and duikerbok, and 

 again the knobkerries were hurled with equal effect, 

 till at length we reached an indentation in the 

 ground, where the bush was much more abundant 

 than previously. Some of the curs made a dash for 

 it ; but all, with the exception of three, immediately 

 afterwards turned tail and found refuge behind their 

 respective owners. Those that still kept in advance 

 exhibited by their manner that something unusual 

 was before them, for, in place of their previous 

 happy-go-lucky, reckless conduct, they now ad- 

 vanced at a most measured gait, while the ridge 

 of hair upon their backs stood almost erect. 



Cigar, who was close to me, whispered, " The 

 old scoundrel is in front of us. Keep a sharp 

 look-out, and, if I'm not wrong, you'll see him steal- 

 ing through the bushes." Scarcely had he expressed 

 himself thus, when he pitched his snider to his 

 shoulder, took a lengthened look along the barrel, 

 and again" brought his rifle to the carry. " I thought 

 I saw him," said he, and scarcely had he finished 

 the sentence when again he apparently took aim 

 and fired, the report being greeted with a protracted 

 and angry howl. 



