I FIRST EXPEDITION FROM MOMBASA 23 



among some clumpy bushes on slightly rising ground. 1 

 wanted some oryx heads, and the meat would be useful too — 

 for I had sent back to Laiju for porters to carry in the biltong, 

 of which we could hardly have too much ; so I determined to 

 go after them, especially as the ground was rather favourable 

 for getting near. 



Papa had gone on ahead towards camp, and was so 

 taken up with his burden and absorbed in the happy thoughts 

 it evoked that I could not attract his attention ; so I put 

 my second rifle and sundry other impedimenta I had taken 

 from my gun-bearer, such as glasses, etc., down — or, rather, 

 hung them on a tree — and proceeded to stalk the herd. 

 Taking advantage of the cover afforded by the bushy shrubs, 

 and keeping my eyes fixed on such of the grazing herd as 

 were from time to time visible between as I crept nearer — 

 lying low now and again till the position of any member that 

 seemed likely to discover me became favourable again — I got 

 at last within shot. Then wriggling myself into a sitting 

 position under cover of a bush, I edged out cautiously a little 

 to one side, and waited till a good chance should be offered by 

 the antelopes moving slowly about as they grazed — for I had 

 succeeded so well that they were absolutely unconscious of my 

 presence. It was not long before a favourable opportunity 

 presented itself, of which I took advantage, getting in another 

 satisfactory shot at a second immediately after, before the herd 

 took to flight, and I felt certain that each had gone well home. 

 Nor was I disappointed, for on going to see when the rest had 

 decamped I found both lying dead not very far apart, in the 

 track of the retreating herd. 



I have for years adopted the device of hanging my 

 handkerchief on a bush or stick beside the carcase of an 

 animal I am obliged to leave by itself while men are 

 called to skin and carry it to camp, to keep the vultures 

 off, and have always found this plan effectual. I generally 

 have two or three white cotton cloths for the purpose in a 



