off quietly, it was not because they were foolhardy 

 or did not realise the danger. When they allowed 

 us to catch up to them time after time, it was not 

 because they did not expect us. When they stood on 

 the edge of thick bush where we could see them, it 

 was not stupidity. When they could disappear with 

 an easy bound, it was not accident. It was all part 

 of the game. They were keeping in touch with us 

 so that we could not surprise them, and whenever they 

 stopped it was always where they could see us coming 

 through the thinner bush for a long way and where they 

 themselves could disappear in the thick bush in a couple 

 of strides. Moreover, with each fresh run they changed 

 their direction with the object of making it difficult 

 for us to follow them up, and with the deliberate 

 purpose of eventually reaching some favourite and safe 

 haunt of theirs. 



An old hand might have known this ; but a beginner 

 goes blindly along the spoor exactly where they are 

 expecting him. The chase was long and tiring, but 

 there was no feeling of disappointment and no thought 

 of giving it up : each time they came in sight we got 

 keener and more excited, and the end seemed nearer 

 and more certain. I knew what the six animals were 

 four cows, one young bull, and a magnificent old fellow 

 with a glorious head and great spiral horns. I carried 

 his picture in my eye and could pick him out instantly 

 wherever he stood and however motionless ; for, 

 incredibly difficult as it is to pick out still objects in the 

 bush before your eye becomes accustomed 

 to it, it is wonderful what you can do 

 135 



