AN ELAND-HUNT. 115 



and dashed down the steep slope on our left. He showed 

 such a splendid pair of horns as he passed, that the Boers 

 compared them to a koodoo's. We were all obliged to 

 dismount and lead our horses down the hill, although the 

 antelope had rushed down like a cricket-hall. 



A party of nine Boers were now mounted, and started 

 off in chase. There was a great deal of lee-way to be pulled 

 up, and the country was also very much against us ; the 

 hill-sides were covered with large loose stones, and the 

 valleys in many places were so soft and boggy that the 

 horses sank knee- deep in the mud. As I was descending 

 one of the slopes, I thought I could see the eland inclining 

 a little to the right : instead, therefore, of going with the 

 remaining Boers down the hill, I kept along the ridge, 

 thereby saving several hills, and a long course, if the game 

 held on to his new line of country. The long grass and 

 loose stones were unfavourable for galloping, so I nursed 

 my horse for a turn of speed over the flat that I could see 

 in advance. 



I had lost sight of the eland for some time and 

 began to fear that I had been thrown out of the run 

 altogether ; but by still pursuing my line, I knew I should 

 meet some of the party. After cantering about three miles 

 farther, I had the pleasure of viewing the game " rising " 

 an opposite hill not a quarter of a mile from me. 



The long stream of white foam blowing from his mouth, 

 and the blue appearance that his coat had assumed, both 

 indicated distress. My nag was unfortunately in fat con- 

 dition, and had by this time begun "to ask for his mamma :" 

 giving him a squeeze, I managed to hustle him along 



i 2 



