THE LAND OF FOOTPRINTS 



in envy of the keen, alert interest they took in every 

 stone, stick, and bush, in every sight, sound, and 

 smell. With equal frequency I have expressed that 

 envy, but as something unattainable to a human 

 being's more phlegmatic make-up. In Africa one 

 actually rises to continuous alertness. There are no 

 dozy moments — except you curl up in a safe place 

 for the purpose of dozing; again just like the dog! 

 Every bush, every hollow, every high tuft of grass, 

 every deep shadow must be scrutinized for danger. 

 It will not do to pass carelessly any possible lurking 

 place. At the same time the sense of hearing must 

 be on guard; so that no break of twig or crash of 

 bough can go unremarked. Rhinoceroses conceal 

 themselves most cannily, and have a deceitf ul habit 

 of leaping from a nap into their swiftest stride. 

 Cobras and puff adders are scarce, to be sure, but 

 very deadly. Lions will generally give way, if not 

 shot at or too closely pressed; nevertheless there is 

 always the chance of cubs or too close a surprise. 

 Buffalo lurk daytimes in the deep thickets, but oc- 

 casionally a rogue bull lives where your trail will 

 lead. These things do not happen often, but in the 

 long run they surely do happen, and once is quite 

 enough provided the beast gets in. 



At first this continual alertness and tension is 

 rather exhausting; but after a very short time it be-» 



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