vin AN EVENTFUL XMAS DAY 89 



to all the animals in the vicinity. I have often 

 noticed that it is the custom of the hartebeeste to 

 detach one of their number from the herd to act as 

 sentry, and it is a common sight to see this sentinel 

 perched on the top of an ant-hill or other eminence 

 which commands a clear view of the surrounding 

 country. He seems to be relied on by all the game 

 in the neighbourhood to give notice of the approach 

 of an enemy, for as soon as he snorts and stamps 

 and gets uneasy, everything within sight takes alarm 

 and gallops off to safety. 



After watching this fruitless stalk I separated 

 from my friends and took a circuit to the left, as 

 there was a little eminence in that direction from 

 which I wanted to have a look round. It is ex- 

 traordinary what a perfectly irresistible charm a hill 

 has for one in an unexplored country. I always 

 expect to find something strange or wonderful on 

 the other side of it, and as it generally happens that 

 there is still another rise beyond, I am invariably 

 lured on so that I may have a peep into the 

 unknown and find what is waiting there to be 

 discovered. 



Like Kipling's Explorer, I always seem to hear a 

 voice whispering, 



" Something hidden. Go and find it. 



Go and look behind the Ranges 

 Something lost behind the Ranges. 

 Lost and waiting for you. Go ! " 



