288 BIG GAME SHOOTING 
and trotting past within thirty yards of me, As I had not the 
remotest idea where the elands were, on account of the dust, I 
whispered to Ramazan to. keep a sharp look-out on the right, - 
whilst I kept watch on the left, the side towards the watercourse, 
Suddenly I was rather taken. aback by hearing the buffaloes 
advancing apparently straight towards me, as I could distinctly 
hear them grunting, some of the cows, probably those with 
calves, being particularly noisy. Thinking it better to be well 
prepared for them, and on the safe side, I turned round and 
beckoned to Ramazan to crawl up nearer to me with the 4-bore, 
although I already had the 8-bore and ‘500 Express by my side. 
Shortly afterwards I felt him grip me by the leg, but on turning 
my head saw, not the elands, but several cow buffaloes, the 
leaders of the herd, advancing towards us, a little to the right 
of our position, and I confess I breathed more freely ; not that 
I think there was much danger, but I was so anxious if possible 
to avoid firing at anything but eland, as it would have lessened 
my chance of getting one of these beasts. As it was, the 
buffaloes all passed at a quick shambling walk within sixty yards 
of me, and I was at one time sorely tempted to have a shot at 
a grand bull with beautiful wide spreading horns, which passed 
within forty yards. I may mention that I believe I got this 
identical bull a day or two afterwards—if so, my forbearance was 
rewarded. 
When the buffaloes had gone past, the air became a little 
clearer, and I had the satisfaction of seeing the elands bringing 
up the rearguard at a gentle trot, still some 200 yards off, 
coming in such a direction that they would pass between 
myself and the watercourse. On they came, quite unconscious 
of my presence, and stopped just about roo yards from my left 
front, although all the other game had stampeded after passing us 
and getting our wind. There were two good bulls in the herd, 
but the best one had lagged behind with two cows, which provok- 
ingly stood between him and myself and prevented my taking 
a shot as they stood, so that I had to wait until they moved on 
again, This they did at a walk, as my men were fairly good at 
a ee ae a ee 
wet 
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