118 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



position in these pits, and waited for the deer. About sunrise 

 they would come on, straggling across froni the fields. They 

 never seemed to suspect danger ; and as we sat in our hiding- 

 pits, with our eyes on the level of the plain, it seemed impossible 

 that we were not seen. So well, however, did our poaching 

 stratagem answer, that I have frequently slain deer from these 

 pits with a charge of shot. By this means we were able to 

 select the best bucks ; and got many handsome heads. I had 

 a long shot one morning at a gaunt hyaena, but I believe I 

 missed him. I was, however, consoled soon after by bringing 

 down a buck with twenty-six inch horns. 



About this time a Eurasian gentleman, who was employed 

 in the same department with me, asked for the loan of one of 

 my guns, having none of his own, and being anxious to prac- 

 tise shooting. 



I sent him a double smooth-bore, which was soon after 

 returned with the following note : 



"Sir I have the honour to return you herewith your 

 gun, sound and in good condition, with the exception of the 

 stock, which is broken across. " 



It is but fair to him to add, that he did not ask for 

 another. 



