ith immensely heavy rifles, which carried balls of
the weight of six-ounces. I carried my trusty, double-barrelled
fowling-piece, which is of the largest size, and which I preferred to a
rifle, because, not being a good shot, I resolved, on all occasions, to
reserve my fire until we should come to close quarters with game,
leaving my more expert comrades to take the longer shots. We had also
two natives--one being our guide, Makarooroo, who carried Jack and
Peterkin's double-barrelled guns as a reserve. These were loaded, of
course, with ball.

"This looks something like business," said Jack, as he leaned on his
heavy rifle and looked at the natives, who were selecting their spears
and otherwise making preparations.

"It does," replied Peterkin. "Are you loaded?"

"Ay, and I have just examined the caps to see that they are dry; for
it's not like grouse-shooting on the Scottish hills this African
hunting, depend upon it. A snapping cap might cost us our lives,--
Ralph, my boy, you must keep well in rear. I don't want to hurt your
feelings, but it won't do to go in front when you cannot depend on your
nerves."

I experienced a feeling of sadness not unmingled with shame as my friend
said this, but I could not question the justness of his remark, and I
knew well that he would not have made it at all, but for his anxiety
lest I should run recklessly into danger, which I might find myself,
when too late, unable to cope with. I was careful, however, to conceal
my feelings as I replied with a smile--

"You are right, Jack. I shall act the part of a support, while you and
Peterkin skirmish in advance."

"And be careful," said Peterkin, solemnly, "that you don't fire into us
by mistake."

Somewhat of Peterkin's own spirit came over me as I replied, "Indeed, I
have been thinking of that, and I'm not sure that I can restrain myself
when I see a chimpanzee monkey and a gorilla walking through the woods
before me."

"I think we'd better take his gun from him," suggested Jack.

At this moment the king gave the signal to advance, so we shouldered our
weapons and joined him. As we walked rapidly along, Jack suggested that
we should allow the natives to kill any elephants we might fall in with
in their own way, so as to observe how they managed it, rather than try
to push ourselves forward on this our first expedition. We all agreed
to this, and shortly after we came to the place which elephants were
known to frequ