206 A TRIAL OF NERVES. 



the grass was trodden down, and was still springing slowly 

 up again, " that is wild pig, but that" pointing to some 

 other marks that were on the same track "is buffalo. 

 Besides, a wild pig does not eat the tops of grass." As 

 he gave this last conclusive argument, he picked a handful 

 of grass, and showed me the tops eaten off. I saw that 

 I had fallen several degrees in his estimation by such 

 great want of observation. The matter being settled 

 beyond a doubt, he followed instantly on the trail, which 

 led down to the river. Inkau moved at a run, so 

 / mounted to keep up with him. We soon came to a part 

 of the bush too thick for a horse to go through ; I therefore 

 dismounted, off-saddled, and turned my nag out to graze, 

 and then entered the bush. As we neared the game, which, 

 we knew we were doing by the freshness of the spoor, 

 Inkau slackened his pace ; he was steady as a rock, and was 

 evidently well supplied with nerves. He asked me whether 

 I felt at all afraid, as he would go on alone if I did. I 

 answered him by holding out my gun at arm's length, 

 when he, seeing it quite steady, complimented me, but 

 cautioned me by saying that the buffaloes here were very 

 dangerous. I did not think this was such sharp work as 

 the elephant-hunting about Natal, in the thick bush, as 

 although the buffalo is very savage and cunning, a small 

 tree will save you from him, whereas an elephant must 

 be fenced off with rather a big one. The usual careful 

 approach being made, the danger in this sport is not very 

 great. Accidents happen to men who move carelessly, 

 either thinking that they are not near game, or anxious to 

 show that they are not afraid. An incautious person is 



