112 THE GIRAFFE. 



a little hill, seven giraffes, which my dogs at once 

 attacked. Six of them took to flight together. The 

 seventh, cut off by the dogs, started off in the opposite 

 direction, 



" Bemfry at that moment was dismounted, and 

 leading his horse by the bridle. In less than a 

 twinkling he was in the saddle, and started in pursuit 

 of the first six. As for me, I followed the other at full 

 gallop ; but in spite of the efforts of my horse, he soon 

 gained so much upon me, that in turning a hill he 

 disappeared from my sight and I gave up the pursuit. 



"Nevertheless, my dogs were not long in reaching 

 him, and he was compelled to stop to defend himself. 



" From the place where I was I heard them giving 

 tongue with all their might; and as their barking 

 seemed always to proceed from the same spot, I conclu- 

 ded that the animal was surrounded by them, and I 

 immediately spurred on towards them. 



" In fact, I had scarcely turned round the knoll when 

 I perceived him surrounded by the dogs, and endea- 

 vouring by rapid kicks to keep them off. I at once dis- 

 mounted, and a shot from my rifle brought him down. 



" Delighted with my victory, I returned to call my 

 people to flay and cut up the animal. Whilst I was 

 looking about me, I saw Klaas Barter, who, with an 

 air of great earnestness, was making signs to me, 

 which at first I could not comprehend. But, turning 



