130 HUNTING THE UEMSBOK. 



animals, which from the description I had heard, I knew 

 to be gemsboks. As soon as Mr. Barrill joined me, and 

 was gratified with a view of the game, I suggested a plan 

 of attack : while we rode circuitously a long distance to 

 the windward of the herd, Carollus was to give chase and 

 bring them within reach of our leaden death. Mr. Barrill 

 approved the plan, and away we rode. At the distance 

 of about half a mile, we halted in a good position for ob- 

 taining a shot ; and presently we were excited by the 

 shouting of the Hottentot, and the rapid tramp of the 

 pursued gemsboks. They came within two hundred yards 

 of us ; but just as we were about to charge and fire among 

 them, they scented our proximity, turned and fled in a 

 direction at a right angle with their former course. Then 

 began the most thrilling chase for game in which I had 

 yet engaged. Mr. Barrill and I kept nearly abreast, 

 while riding at full speed. At the end of about three 

 miles, I shot ahead, reached the herd, and gave a beauti- 

 ful cow a death wound behind the shoulder, tumbling 

 her upon the plain. 



Mr. Barrill shouted, as he dashed past me in chase of 

 the remainder of the herd. Carollus then came up, and 

 as he took charge of the slain animal, I again set off in 

 pursuit of this splendid game. The herd and Mr. Barrill 

 were more than half a mile ahead when I saw him fire, 

 and a gemsbok fall. He did not stop a moment, but 



