232 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



ravines and valleys. Seeing that there was every 

 prospect of a fine day we set out, having each 

 selected oiir favourite rifles, Chineah only being 

 entrusted with a spare gun, whilst Googooloo, Naga, 

 and Hassan carried long ropes and short spears, 

 which were to serve us in the ascent as " Alpen- 

 stocks." For some short distance the route was not 

 very difficult, but it soon changed its character and 

 became full of obstructions ; for we had often to 

 crawl along the smooth slabs of rocks on our hands 

 and knees, and sometimes were obliged to take off 

 our sambur-skin shoes (which were made purposely 

 with very light soles) in order to get a better foot- 

 ing. The scenery was extremely wild, and a solemn 

 silence reigned around, which was only broken at 

 times by the deep gnmt of some one of the gang 

 when he came to a scarped rock or gully more diffi- 

 cult than the rest. On slopes here and there the 

 mountain's vegetation was spangled with dew-drops, 

 which sparkled like diamonds in the reflected rays 

 of the morning sun. 



After a severe fag we rested on a ledge of rock to 

 take breath, and, being from constant exercise in 

 rather better training than the rest, I pushed on a 

 short distance in order to reconnoitre the ground, 

 which seemed to be getting more and more difficult 

 as we ascended. Whilst so engaged I heard a slight 

 rustle, followed by a sound like the rolling of a 

 pebble, and to my surprise saw a fine buck-sambur 

 rise from his lair, just below the boulder of rock 



