330 



A Breath from the Veldt 



enthusiastic, threw cold water on my proposal, and when at last I got him 

 started, he went about his business in such a half-hearted way that I was by no 

 means sanguine as -to the result. We commenced operations on the first herd, 

 who had by this time a pretty intimate acquaintance with the cart and its 

 contents, and having flattened myself out behind the largest ant-heap I could 

 find, I lay and watched the tactics of my companion as he proceeded to head 

 the troop about half a mile away. It was one of the prettiest and most exciting 

 experiences with wild animals that has ever fallen to my lot. Without it I 



BLACK WILDEBEESTS MAKING THEIR SUDDEN TURN BEFORE STOPPING 



could never have known what a wild thrill of joy, not unmixed with fear that 

 they will alter their course, the sight of a herd of these wild-looking creatures 

 (half buffalo, half antelope) can cause as their black forms advance towards one, 

 now cantering, now walking slowly and glancing distrustfully back at any object 

 from which danger is suspected. Closer and closer they come, like a regiment 

 of black horses advancing — 800 yards, 600 yards, 400 yards ! Will they ever 

 stop cantering ? Ah ! now they slacken to a shambling walk, and wheel round 

 with heads raised and tails arched, to watch Jan again, who, I am glad to see, 

 has followed my instructions, and stopped quite still now that the beasts are 



