visitors, I returned to my occupation;
remembering, however, first to reload my rifle with ball, lest a hyena,
panther, or lion might scent the dead eland and come to banquet off it.
I had some leathern straps with me for the purpose of securing any
animal I might kill, and with these I fastened to my saddle as much meat
as my horse could carry. I was sorry to leave any part behind, knowing
how much it was wanted in the camp. I now turned the horse's head
towards the camp, intending to pass by the eland I had shot. As I
approached, I saw some objects moving over the ground towards it. At
that distance I could not tell what they were. They might be lions or
panthers. If lions, I might probably have to do battle for my prize. I
could not help thinking, too, of the way Stanley had been handled. It
was not impossible that they would attack me, and get me and my horse,
and the meat into the bargain. Knowing that on such occasions boldness
is always the best policy, I rode forward, and in a short time
distinguished three spotted hyenas stealing up towards the body of the
eland. I determined to prevent them having their feast, or spoil it if
I could not. So eager were they to seize their prize that they did not
notice me. As they drew nearer they hastened their pace, and then made
a dash at the carcass. At that moment, putting spurs to my horse, I
dashed on towards them shouting and shrieking. They received me with
loud snarls, appearing in no way disposed to take their departure. Not
till I got close up to them did they retreat, snarling and grinning
horribly at me. The scent of the meat had undoubtedly sharpened their
appetites, and they certainly looked capable of making a spring and
trying to carry away some of the joints. On this I charged them, and
they retreated still further off.

I saw that unless I could find my friends, we should have no prospect of
saving any of the meat. I therefore looked round again, and thinking
that the sound of my rifle might attract them, I fired it at the nearest
brute. Over the animal fell, and his companions scampered off to avoid
a similar fate. As there was no object in delaying longer, I once more
directed my horse's head towards the camp. Not till I had got to some
distance did I catch sight of Donald Fraser and Timbo. They instantly
galloped back, in the hope of being in time to secure the venison, and I
proceeded at a slow pace, which the heavy weight my horse c