"I do believe," said Hendrik, who at this moment rode up along with
Willem and Arend,--"yes, I'm quite certain that the dogs think they have
dragged that elephant down!"

"Den they is as big an ole fool as Congo," said Swartboy who was annoyed
at the fact that the Kaffir had just performed a feat for which he would
receive the approbation of his young masters. Congo only answered with
a smile. He had again aroused the jealousy of his rival, and was
satisfied.

The elephant, which proved to be a very large bull, expired a few
minutes after falling. Its tusks were over five feet in length, and to
Swartboy was given the task of extracting them.

The horse ridden by Congo was of course no longer available; and the
lading of another had to be distributed amongst the remaining
pack-horses, to provide the Kaffir with a mount. The spot was soon
deserted.

Hendrik, Groot Willem, and Arend, were anxious to be off to the pit,
into which the other elephant had fallen, having never seen one caught
in that way before.

"Hans," inquired Hendrik, "will you look after everything here, or will
you come along with us?"

"O, I prefer staying," said the quiet Hans. "Perhaps by doing so I may
again come in for the lion's share of the sport, as I have just now."

"We must take Congo along with us," suggested Arend. "It is certain
there will be some of the natives at the pit. We saw several houses
near the maize-field, and there is no doubt a large kraal."

"Yes, come with us, Congo," commanded his master, as he rode off,
followed by all the others except the good-natured Hans and his servant
Swartboy, who usually came in for the biggest share of the business,
while the others appropriated the amusement.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

THE PIT.

We believe there is a different sound expressed by each of the words,
roar, shriek, yell, and scream: but the first expression of pain or
terror of the elephant in the pit,--the sound that had caused its
companion to retreat, seemed a combination of all the above. Since it
first shook the surrounding atmosphere, it had been often repeated and
the young hunters, familiar with most methods of killing elephants, were
under the impression that the one in the pit was being subjected to some
torture more horrible than any they had ever heard of.

"They have probably placed a pointed stake in the pit," observed
Hendrik, as they approached, "and the animal is impaled upon it."

On coming nea