316 
THE ELEPHANT. , 
Raising the rifle, therefore, to my shoulder, and 
taking a deliberate aim at the creature’s fore¬ 
head, I pulled the trigger. The result was that, 
though my life was probably saved, the game was 
gone. With one of those terrific screams so pe¬ 
culiar to the species, the monster wheeled round 
with the rapidity of lightning, and the next in¬ 
stant was out of sight; and, though I followed 
his trail closely for a long time, I failed in again 
sighting him. 
I subsequently rejoined my waggon, both sick 
and dispirited, yet resolved on another hunt before 
the fever should resume its fatal sway over my 
enervated frame; and thinking it probable that 
elephants would wander our way during the night, 
I directed Pereira,* my head-servant, to keep a 
sharp look-out. 
* This poor man, who was exceedingly well educated, speaking 
several languages, and who for a length of time was in the employ of 
Mr. Anderson, recently met his death in a very sad way. Several 
articles had been stolen from him by some Bushmen, whom he suc¬ 
ceeded in capturing at the “ werft” of their chief, and by the aid of 
some Damaras was conveying to his waggon. Night, however, over¬ 
took the party half way, and Pereira, therefore, resolved to wait 
until morning before continuing his journey. He was followed, un¬ 
observed, by three Bushmen, friends of the captives, who shortly 
before daybreak crept stealthily upon his place of bivouac, and by 
the light of the fire, alongside which he was sleeping, discharged 
three poisoned arrows at him. The first entered the left breast; 
he started up and seized his rifle, and whilst in the act of firing, 
another entered his arm .close below the shoulder, causing him to 
drop his gun, and the next moment the third struck him in the 
stomach; but the latter alone did not penetrate. With the deadly 
shafts still embedded in the flesh, poor Pereira discharged his rifle at 
the murderers, who fled, and made their escape in the obscurity of 
the early morn. He then summoned the Damaras to his assistance. 
