When hunters are in the neighbourhood of large game, it is an understood
rule that a shot is not to be fired at any small animal. Thus, if a
party were out in search of elephants, and had separated from each
other, a shot from one party would at once bring the others to it, for
it would be understood that elephants had been fired at. Thus antelopes
of various kinds were allowed to gallop off without a shot being fired
at them. A fat eland, whose appearance made the Kaffirs' mouth almost
water, was allowed to stand under a tree, and gaze with astonishment at
the novel spectacle of a herd of two-legged creatures moving over its
domain. For to have fired a shot would have not only disturbed the
country, but would have been a reckless destruction of life, a
proceeding which every true sportsman abhors. Taking advantage of the
slopes of ground, the cover of trees, etc., Hans and his party turned
the position of the elephants, and halted about five hundred yards in
advance of them, without having caused these watchful, keen-scented
animals any suspicion of their presence.

Each hunter took up a position behind a tree, immediately he came in
front of the elephants, and there waited for some signal from the leader
before advancing. It was soon evident that the elephants were feeding
towards the hunters, and thus if they remained quiet, they would soon
have their game within range. Twelve majestic bull elephants were in
the herd, each with tusks of large size. Such game being close to them
caused each man of the party to feel excited with the anticipation of
the coming sport, and to reserve himself for his first shot. On came
the troop, scarcely staying now to feed, for they had by some instinct
or power of observation become slightly alarmed. The scent of the
hunters, or the screech of some bird had indicated to them that an enemy
was near, and thus they ceased feeding. A majestic twelve-foot bull
elephant led the party, and seemed well qualified for a leader. He
strode forward some dozen yards with trunk erect and ears wide-spread,
then stopped and drew the air through his trunk with great rapidity,
turning from side to side with a quickness which seemed surprising in so
vast an animal. That lazy, stupid appearance which those who have seen
caged animals only, are disposed to attribute to elephants, was very
different from the activity of this leader, as his restless eye watched
each bush or tree; and his threateni