I 
FIRST EXPEDITION FROM MOMBASA 
23 
among some clumpy bushes on slightly rising ground. I 
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 
