r full speed.

Though the ostriches appeared to be running in a straight line from the
place where they had started, such was not the case. They were curving
around just sufficiently to avoid the hunters, and yet get to the
windward of them. Their pace being much faster than that of the horses,
they succeeded in crossing the course pursued by the latter, about three
hundred yards in advance of them.

Willem and Hendrik hardly taking time to pull up, dismounted and fired.
But not with the desired result. The ostriches were at too great a
distance, and ran on untouched. Knowing that a stern chase after them
would prove a failure, the hunters came to a stop.

Several other ostriches were afterwards seen; but, as on the open
karroo, it was found impossible to approach them; and our adventurers
were compelled to return to their camp without taking back a single
feather. Their want of success was a source of great gratification to
Swartboy. He could kill ostriches afoot, while four white men, although
well-armed and mounted on fast horses, had failed to do so. The Bushman
could not avoid making an exhibition of his conceit, and he proceeded to
inform his masters that if they were very anxious to obtain
ostrich-feathers, he could easily put them in the way. As none of the
hunters were inclined to put Swartboy's abilities for ostrich-hunting to
a further test they acknowledged their defeat and resumed the
interrupted journey.

After leaving the karroo, the hunters entered into a very beautiful and
fertile country possessed by small tribes of peaceful Bechuanas, who had
long been allowed to remain undisturbed by their warlike neighbours, for
the reason that they lived at a great distance from any hostile tribe.
It was a country Willem was reluctant to pass rapidly through; for,
after leaving it behind, he knew there would be very little hope of
again seeing giraffes.

Along the way, little groves of the _cameel-doorn_ were occasionally
seen; but, for all this, no camelopards.

At a village, passed by them on the route, they were informed that
giraffes sometimes visited the neighbourhood, and that there was no time
of the year, but that, with a little trouble, some of these animals
might be found within a day's distance.

This information, Hendrik, Arend, and Hans heard rather with regret:
they knew that it was likely to cause another impediment to their
homeward journey.

In this they were not deceived. Willem