TIANG 87 



even so slight a signal escaped observation by the 

 watchful tiang far beyond. Several at once faced directly 

 round, and suspicion deepened in their minds to certainty 

 when the intrusive bushbuck bounded away. Fifteen 

 long minutes slowly elapsed ere those acute suspicions 

 began to relax and then some of the tiang laid down. 

 Three sentries still gazed fixedly ; despite which I then 

 wormed a serpent-like advance to the outmost tree, whose 

 triple bole afforded a scant but welcome screen. Beyond, 

 it was impossible to move a single inch. I therefore 

 adjusted sights to 300 yards and was preparing a "rest" 

 on the friendly trunk when I observed the whole troop 

 suddenly face the other way. The recumbent animals 

 sprang up, and it was evident that some fresh alarm 

 threatened from beyond. I therefore reserved my fire, in 

 the hope that the disturbed troop might retreat my way. 

 Presumably they would have done so, but alas! that 

 " bushbuck-signal " still lingered cogent in their minds 

 wild creatures never forget and the whole herd, 

 purposely avoiding the danger-spot, galloped off wide to 

 my left, entering the timber far beyond range. 



On standing up, I observed half a mile away a dozen 

 Shilluks, with dogs, directly beyond the spot where the 

 tiang had been standing. Presumably these savages 

 would have, unconsciously, driven the game right into 

 my face . . . but for that thrice-blessed bushbuck! 



An hour's walk revealed the fugitive herd on a wide 

 forest-open, moving straight down-wind, thus involving 

 another two-mile detour. This circuit placed us on their 

 flank to leeward, as they skirted the trees. Shortly we 

 were, for ten seconds, within 100 yards; but so thickly 

 grew the bush at that point that no clear shot offered, 

 and we were fain to forego that chance and follow on 

 once more. 



Then, at last, the "long-delayed opportunity arrived. 

 The forest ran out in a long tongue and, hurrying to its 

 apex, I found myself within shot. The tiang, not having 



