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wliat was going on in the direction of the shot, and found 
La Mule had wounded an old bull who had got amongst 
the reeds by the river, and was consequently an awkward 
customer to approach as it was very difficult to see him, 
and at any moment he might bolt out upon us ; but after 
using great caution he was despatched, and we returned to 
camp, where I found Dubois knocked up with a slight 
attack of ague. I often have to go out without him, and 
feel the want of a white companion, especially as I can't 
understand the Caffres. Next day we moved on as usual, 
and E. was taken to see the dead bull as we passed by. 
It was a good specimen, but, thinking I should be sure 
to get another, we did not trouble about the head. 
Saw several alligators sunning themselves on the sandy 
shallows in the river, and shot at two of them ; but though 
I killed one the brute was so close to the edge that he 
rolled over into the water and disappeared — unless hit just 
behind the forearm they are comparatively invulnerable. 
Passed several plants of the vegetable ivory, and saw 
some small birds with most beautiful plumage, blue and 
green with yellow wings ; but, as usual, I hadn 't got my 
fowling piece when I wanted it. A panther crossed the 
path just in front of E. and Kemp while on the march, 
but unluckily I was off the road, and did not get the 
chance of a shot. The Caffres, as usual, declined to carry 
on any meat from the buffalo and went supperless to bed, 
as I was unsuccessful in my afternoon's hunt. Next 
morning we finished our last bit of meat for breakfast, 
and we had a long and tiring day's march over some very 
broken ground, our passage by the river being barred by 
some precipitous rocks that ran down to the water's edge. 
Though the country round our camp looked very dreary 
and uninviting, Dubois and I both turned out in the 
afternoon to hunt, our own meat being done, and the 
Caffres as usual on starvation diet. I came across a herd 
