e so many paths that it was easy to move about
in the bush; but the growth of the vegetation was so rapid, that a few
weeks after the elephants had left the bush it had again overgrown the
old paths, and was once more impenetrable.

Elephants usually left the thick bush during the night or very early in
the morning; they would then roam about in the open country, and drink
at some stream or pond. When possible, they would roll in the wet mud,
like pigs; then, as day broke, they would re-enter the bush, seek the
densest parts, and there remain quiet during the heat of the day.

I had decided that the best chance of success with the elephants would
be to follow them into the bush, come upon them during the middle of the
day, and get our shots at them as they stood half sleeping in the bush.
The Caffres, I knew, could walk so quietly in the bush, that, if we were
careful about the direction of the wind, we might approach the herd
without their being aware that an enemy was near them.

A day's journey brought our party to the country where the elephants had
now taken up their residence. The Caffres near were most anxious about
their crops, for they expected the elephants would come some night and
eat up, or trample down their corn. We found that the elephants had not
drank during the previous day; so we felt sure they would drink during
the coming night. Some large ponds near the edge of the bush was the
place where it was expected they would satisfy their thirst, so we sent
some Caffre boys to keep watch near these ponds, and to let us know the
news as soon as possible.

The sun had not risen on the following morning when our spies came into
the kraal, and told us that the elephants were now drinking and rolling
at these ponds; that there were nearly a hundred of them; and, among
these, three enormous bull-elephants, with tusks nearly as long as an
assagy.

This news was very gratifying. So, after we had eaten our breakfasts
and taken some corn with us, we started for the bush. We examined the
footprints and marks made by the animals, and could easily distinguish
those made by the three large bulls. To follow these tracks into the
forest was easy. The bush-path was clear and well trodden; so we moved
on silently, but not too quickly.

When we were some distance in the bush, we heard the trumpet of an
elephant; and I came to the conclusion that we were now within half a
mile of our formidable game. Having sat