XXI STALKING THE SEVENTEEN BURHEL 391 



lowest of all, and therefore nearest to us, but the distance 

 was at least 300 yards, and I thought it too far to risk 

 a shot, which might only have the effect of frightening 

 everything away. Apparently there was nothing to do 

 but wait, for there was no means of getting any nearer. 



The rocks we were behind sloped downwards in 

 ridges a short way towards the hollow below the burhel, 

 and Rupsang proposed we should go as far as we 

 could without being observed, and see if we could get a 

 shot from the bottom. We accordingly did so, but the 

 change was unsatisfactory, for in some way the sheep 

 appeared to get our wind, or at least to have some 

 inkling of danger. They presently got up, and began 

 looking suspiciously in our direction, and one or two of 

 them gave a whistle. But they were evidently not sure, 

 for they did not move off, but after standing motionless 

 for a little, began to descend. 



The question then was, whether, when they had got 

 to the bottom, they would move east or west. If they 

 did the former they would be going up the small nala 

 below us, and I might be able to go further down and 

 then follow them. If they went west, they would come 

 within range of where I was. Of course they selected 

 the safer method, and having got to the bottom, began 

 grazing slowly up the nala to the east. 



Rupsang then slid downwards out of sight of the 

 burhel, and I went after him. A small rise screened us 

 from the game, which we followed to the right, until I 

 came in sight at about 100 yards or a little over. When 

 this occurred I found that two burhel — not very good 

 ones — were looking at me, but evidently, as only my head 



