or was the pit made so large
as the first; and by toiling nearly all the time from sunrise to sunset,
the contrivance was got ready for use in seven days.

While the work was progressing, several giraffes had been seen in the
neighbourhood, and the hopes of the hunters were once more in the
ascendant. All were in high spirits with the prospect that, within two
or three days, they might be on their return to Graaf Reinet. To make
more sure of success they paid a visit to the second mimosa grove,
taking along with them a large party of the Makololo. Their object was
to drive the giraffes out of that tract of timber into the one where the
trap was being prepared for them. During their excursion no camelopards
were seen in this second grove; but this, in the opinion of the hunters,
was of little consequence. They would be discovered in the place where
they were wanted; and in this hope they hastened back to the hopo.

The same means for driving the giraffes into the trap were again
employed. A regular battue was established,--all hands taking share in
it. The Makololo, accompanied by their dogs, and making as much noise
as lay in their power, passed through the tract of timber, while Willem
and Hendrik rode along one side, and Hans and Arend on the other.

As the beaters drew near the end where the trap was established, Willem
began to have an apprehension that something was wrong. No herds of
large game were seen escaping from the cover. No sounds of crashing
sticks and breaking branches struck upon his ear. The forest seemed
deserted by all but the noisy Makololo, who were working their way
through its shady aisles. The termination of the battue was at length
reached. Within the pen were seen enclosed a few small antelopes of
common species, a pair of brindled gnus, and some wild hogs.

This was a bitter disappointment. The giraffes had got away, no one
knew how or where. They might return again; but no one could be certain
of this. Those amongst the Makololo who professed to be best acquainted
with their habit, expressed the belief that they had migrated to same
extensive forests far-away towards the south, and that no more
camelopards might be found in that neighbourhood for the six months to
follow. They (the Makololo) were anxious to return to their homes.
Perhaps this may have guided them in their opinion. They had huts to
build, and land to cultivate for their families, and had neglected these
du