CHAPTER X 



UPS AND DOWNS IN THE MBWEHU BUSH 



ONE Friday in September, 1909, tired and thirsty, 

 we reached the water-hole at Leoto, about two 

 o'clock in the afternoon, and decided to camp in the 

 vicinity, for, from evidence that is as clear as print 

 to a hunter, I had noticed that two or three big 

 tuskers came there regularly at night to drink, and 

 the chance of bagging one of them ere the moon 

 set, was sufficient inducement for me to stay. 



About 9 o'clock, they came stealthily through the 

 bush with a silence that would amaze anyone not 

 acquainted with big game; but ere they had reached 

 the water-hole, some faint scent or sound disclosed 

 our presence, for they suddenly changed their plans 

 and made off rapidly into the moonlit jungle. 



Next morning, we were up before cock-crow, and 

 as soon as the light permitted, set out on their 

 tracks of the previous night. My guides informed 

 me that these elephants had been hunted for years 

 by native hunters, and also during the preceding 



