A VISIT AT JUJA 



rein and against the brake. We swerved so vio- 

 lently to the right and stopped so suddenly that I 

 nearly landed on the broad prairies. The manoeuvre 

 fetched us up broadside. The small black syce — 

 and heaven knows how he had managed to hang on 

 — darted to the heads of the leading mules. At the 

 same moment the Vvdldebeeste turned, and stopped; 

 but even before he had swung his head, McMillan 

 had fired. It was extraordinarily good, quick work, 

 the way he picked up the long range from the spurts 

 of dust where the bullets hit. At the third or fourth 

 shots he landed one. Immediately the beast was 

 off again at a tearing run pursued by a rapid fusil- 

 lade from the remxaining shots. Then with a violent 

 jerk and a wild yell we were off again. 



This time, since the animal was wounded, he 

 made for rougher country. And everywhere that 

 wildebeeste went we too were sure to go. We hit 

 or shaved boulders that ought to have smashed a 

 wheel, we tore through thick brush regardless. 

 Twice we charged unhesitatingly over apparent prec- 

 ipices. I do not know the name of the manufac- 

 turer of the buckboard. If I did, I should certainly 

 recommend it here. Twice more we swerved to our 

 broadside and cut loose the port batteries. Once 

 more McMillan hit. Then, on the fourth ''run," 

 we gained perceptibly. The beast was weakening. 



385 



