the last few miles
had been goaded onward with great difficulty, became suddenly
reinvigorated and joined in the general stampede. The whole cavalcade
had soon escaped beyond control.

Now occurred a race between the thirsty cattle and their owners, as to
which should first reach the pool. Hans, Arend, and the two Makololo
formed a line in front of it and strove to check the impetuous charge.
Their efforts proved vain. Mad with the agony of thirst, the beasts had
no longer any respect for the authority of man; and they who were trying
to stay them from self-destruction only saved _themselves_ from being
trodden under foot, by getting quickly out of the way.

As the pond was not more than ten feet in diameter, and could only be
approached on its lower edge, all the animals were unable to reach it.
The first horse that approached the water, was instantly pushed into it
by two others close following him, and, by the time the three had fairly
commenced imbibing the poisoned fluid, they were charged upon by several
of the oxen.

Heavy blows with jamboks and the butt-ends of rifles produced no effect
in forcing the animals away. Everything was unheeded but the mad raging
desire of quenching their thirst.

Fortunately for the hunters, all their cattle could not drink at the
same time, as they stood in each others' way. For about ten minutes,
there was a scene of indescribable confusion amidst shouts and
struggling. The three horses and two of the oxen, jammed tightly
together, were unable to get out again,--even had they been so inclined.
So firmly had they become wedged against each other and the high bank
above, that neither could move a step.

The hole was about three feet in depth and the bodies of the five
animals completely filled it up. Some others of the cattle, failing to
reach the water from the low bank, scrambled up to the high one; but, on
looking down, they could see nothing but the backs of the five animals
in occupation. One of the oxen, in a tremendous effort made to get its
mouth to the water, was borne down and trampled under the feet of the
others.

After more than half an hour of hard work, the hunters, assisted by
their black companions succeeded in driving all the animals away, except
the five that retained possession of the pool. These five never left
it. Three horses and two oxen were the loss that was sustained. They
were pack animals that had thus perished; and fortunately they wer