106 The Carnivora. 
their camps to feed, or on moonlight nights, they will creep 
up in a circle to within twenty yards of the sleeper, and 
stare at the strange object, as though lost in wonder not 
unmixed with dread. If the cracking of a stick happens 
to rouse one, the ghostly forms may be seen dimly and 
silently advancing through the forest until they stand in a 
serried rank around the sleeper. To the tyro, who suddenly 
wakes and finds himself thus the object of attention on the 
part of a hundred or so of wild cattle, the situation is almost 
alarming. But no thought of aggression is passing in their 
minds. They are simply attracted by the unknown and, to 
them, therefore, the terrible, while their nerves are strung 
to the highest pitch. An amusing scene may be created now 
by the man in the blanket suddenly rolling himself towards 
their ranks. The thing they have been watching has become 
endowed with life! They swing round in the utmost terror 
and confusion, dashing against each other in their hurry to 
escape from the awesome creature, and for the next few 
minutes the forest resounds with the thunder of retreating 
hoofs. 
Carlo I. was perfectly familiar with these experiences, and 
would simply raise his head, look at the cattle, and curl 
himself up again without uttering a sound. Frequently, too, 
the thud, thud of a kangaroo leaping may be heard; but 
the dog would pay no more attention to the movements of 
these and other animals than to those of cattle. 
Camping out one night in company with him, he roused 
me a little before daylight, in his usual manner, by pawing 
my shoulder, and, looking steadily in one direction, gave a 
low growl. I reached for my revolver under the saddle, and, 
lying at full length, fired a shot low at a clump of wattles, 
where a native might have concealed himself; however, there 
was no apparent result; but if the enemy were about, they 
would take that as a significant warning. I watched until 
dawn, the dog meanwhile evincing continued uneasiness, for 
which I cannot but think he had sufficient justification; for, 
