354 The Hunting Grounds 



of which were covered with reeds, twenty yards in 

 breadth ; and as the stream was low, there having 

 been a drought for some time, we managed to find a 

 ford, the water coming up to our saddle-girths. 

 When we arrived at the other side, we perceived 

 from the slots that the herd had scattered over the 

 plain, as if they had been suddenly alarmed ; and, 

 on closer investigation, we found the pugs of two 

 full-grown lions and a pair of half-grown cubs, which 

 fully accounted for the panic that had taken place. 

 It was evident that these animals had been lurking 

 in a mimosa-grove, by the side of the river, and 

 lying in wait for their prey as they came to drink ; 

 and, from the freshness of the pugs, I felt sure 

 they could not be far off, so I followed their spoor 

 for about a mile over the plain (which was hard, 

 firm, and good riding-ground), until I came to a 

 low cone-shaped hill, which I ascended, to get a 

 better survey of the surrounding country. I was 

 sweeping the horizon with my field-glass, which was 

 not of much use, on account of a mirage that 

 obstructed the view, and made all distant objects 

 look dim, when " Kleine," the Hottentot boy, tap- 

 ping me on the shoulder, pointed out a flock of 

 vultures that were circling in the air at some short 

 distance, saying, "" Dar ist der verdamt tau !" (There 

 is the cursed lion !) I turned my glass to the spot, 

 without distinguishing anything, but on cantering 



