Jehu, must have been worn out with their exertions of the
day. We can only hope they will suffer no after ill effects from their
arduous task and severe drenchings.

[Illustration: _Some of the Horses._]

Our horses have been simply wonderful during this trip. We have driven,
ridden, and brought along nearly 100 animals for 150 miles, and have not
lost one upon the journey. This speaks volumes for the care and training
bestowed upon the animals at the head estancia, and we are inclined to
think that few other places could supply as many animals to do such
trying work. The fitness of our animals is owing entirely to the
continual attention and care they receive daily at the estancia.

* * * * *

_We are sorry to be obliged to hold over all correspondence,
advertisements, etc., to-day, as, doubtless owing to the floods, no
communications had reached us up to the time of going to press. We hope
all correspondents will accept our sincere apologies for the unavoidable
delay in dealing with letters and orders; all despatches shall receive
our earnest attention as soon as they come to hand._

"THE TACURU."

No. 9

_Sunday, April 3rd, 1910._

Dawn showed us no respite of the drenching rain; the paths, the garden,
and the camps were all flooded with the continuous rain of yesterday and
last night, and still it poured. After disposing of a more substantial
breakfast than had fallen to the lot of the travellers for some days,
there seemed little to do save listen to the dulcet strains of the
gramophone, which proved a welcome diversion. A considerable disturbance
was caused by a dog fight under the table round which we were sitting;
whether intentional or not on the part of the animals, the rout of the
ladies was complete, and the dogs were only separated by the calm
procedure of some of the men who held them under the water taps until
their ardour was cooled. Monte was out of all this trouble, for he had
been consigned to the security of the galpon to avoid trouble concerning
rights of way which would assuredly have arisen between himself and Bear
(the big bulldog of the estancia) had they met. Bear amused the company
by presenting a truly comical sight, some minutes later, when he decided
to have a drink after his fight; he walked with majestic mien up to the
water spout, which jutted out from the house a few feet from the ground,
and, poking out his heavy under-jaw, collected the