PROCEED TO THE CHASE. 129 



There were no trees in the vicinity of the vley. Our 

 camp was formed among some low bushes ; and after en- 

 joying a hearty meal, we began preparations for hunting 

 the gemsbok next day. The two best horses were abun- 

 dantly supplied with forage. Mr. Barrill and I spent 

 some hours in cleaning our rifles, and our powder-flasks 

 and bullet-pouches were well-stocked. When we stretched 

 ourselves for repose, beside our scanty fire, it was not to 

 sleep soundly. Morpheus himself must have caught our 

 sporting enthusiasm for, instead of treating us to his 

 potion of forgetfulness, he caused us to hunt the gemsbok 

 in the land of dreams ; so that when we arose before the 

 peep of day each had a tale of most successful sport to 

 tell, as a stimulant to a persevering chase. 



The dawn saw us in our saddles and away over the plain, 

 Carollus following with some provision for our refresh- 

 ment, in case of the hunt keeping us too long from camp. 

 The morning was clear and pleasant, and I felt in the best 

 humor for exercise. As the dazzling sun showed a bril- 

 liant line where the sky kissed the plain, in the east, we 

 reached a little hillock, which commanded a view of the sur- 

 rounding scenery. There I dismounted, and from the 

 summit of the elevation examined the country in search 

 of game. I was fortunate ; for, before Mr. Barrill could 

 join me, I discovered, at about a distance of a quarter of 

 a mile, in a hollow between two hillocks, a herd of twenty 



