ed further off than usual. The country
over which we were passing was a fine undulating plain. Now and then
there were dips of sufficient depth to conceal us from each other, for
we rode apart in order to cover a wider extent of ground. My companions
were not in sight. I had reached a slight elevation, when I saw in the
distance a herd of large animals. At first I took them for buffaloes;
but their movements soon convinced me that they were of the antelope
species. The wind fortunately came from them, and I determined, without
waiting for my friends, to endeavour to bring one of them down. I
galloped on, till, to my delight, I saw before me an immense herd of the
large eland, as they are called, or, more properly speaking, "cana." In
stature they are equal to a good-sized horse. Their horns are long and
spiral. The form of the creatures before me was massive, their tails
terminating in tufts. I had never possessed much of the spirit of a
hunter; but the necessity of obtaining food made me as eager as any
professional hunter could be to bring down one of the fine animals. I
put spurs to my horse, and galloped on, getting my rifle ready in the
meantime to fire immediately I could obtain a fair shot. The creatures
for some time did not see me, and not till I was close upon them did
they take the alarm. Near me was a fine large buck. I had seldom fired
from horseback; but my animal was steady, and I determined to make the
attempt. I took aim, and, greatly to my satisfaction, struck the
creature near the shoulder, and over he went. Seeing that he was
utterly disabled, I dismounted from my horse, and gave him a merciful
thrust, which deprived him of life. Immediately reloading, I again
leaped on my horse's back, and made chase after the herd, which had now
got to some distance. However, I found that I was coming up fast with
them, and in a short time another fat animal lay rolling on the turf.

Wishing for the assistance of my companions in cutting up my prize, I
rode to the nearest height in the hope of seeing them. I cast my eyes
round in every direction. They were nowhere visible. I began to fear
that they had gone in a different direction. I shouted with all my
might, thinking that one or the other of them might be concealed in some
hollow, and that my voice might reach them. I could only carry a part
of the elands. After waiting awhile, I rode back to where I had killed
the last. Already several