2i6 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



the indescribable pleasure of beholding the broad 

 backs of the objects of our search, who were quietly 

 browsing, unconscious of danger, under the shade of 

 some tall forest trees. I sent Mootoo, the Gooroo, 

 and the Mulchers, to a high peak, by a circuitous 

 route, from whence they would be enabled to watch 

 the movements of the herd, should they take alarm. 

 After resting for a few moments to reconnoitre the 

 ground and take breath, and having tried the wind, 

 which was favourable, a light air blowing from them 

 to us, I carefully examined my guns, ascertained 

 that the powder was well up in the nipples, and then 

 stole gently forward, taking advantage of any cover 

 or undulation I could find, until I got behind a thick 

 tree, with a patch of low bush at the foot, from 

 whence I could distinctly see the herd about sixty 

 yards distant. The tusker was standing on three 

 legs, swinging his huge carcass to and fro, and 

 fanning himself with the branch of a tree, which he 

 held in his trunk, and near him two females were 

 reposing, whilst several others were standing a short 

 distance off. 



I remained a few minutes to make sure that I was 

 well to leeward, and not in any immediate danger of 

 being discovered by their remarkably keen scent, 

 and then making signs to Googooloo to remain con- 

 cealed, I crept forward with my rifle, followed by 

 Chineah, carrying my other two big guns. 



After some very careful and exciting stalking I 

 reached a tree about thirty paces from the group, 



