forest to the right all
the time. Simba, Moto, Selim, Abdullah, and Kalulu, at once and
instinctively struck for the open plain, followed by Niani, who, with
his single spear, looked as important as one could well be, and who
seemed to think that all the buffaloes would eventually fall beneath his
hand.

Arriving on the edge of the forest, Simba, in order to make sure of one
of them, separated his forces, each about forty yards from the other,
with instructions to crawl towards the animals and surround them on all
but the windward side; to make no noise, and to wait for a low whistle
to rise up and fire. After each of them had promised faithfully for the
commonweal to obey such injunctions, which were also impressed on their
minds emphatically by the hunter Moto, the laborious task of working
their way towards the animals began.

Fortunately the wind was from the westward, so they were not compelled
to make any detour to avoid tainting the air, and between the buffaloes
and themselves rose several low hummocks, ancient ant-hills deserted
long ago, and now covered with dense tall yellow grass. The plain was
also covered with the same tall grass, but at their base grew the young
herbage--signs of the coming spring and rainy season now fast
advancing--which probably was that upon which the buffaloes fed.

To our people it was a serious matter to fail, as their hungering
stomachs could not sustain their bodies much longer in their march,
without replenishment soon; besides, the excitement of the escape from
cruel bondage had vanished, so that it became a vital necessity to
obtain food. This strong, urgent necessity probably compelled their
caution, and taught each person the art of stalking much sooner than
they had any idea could be learnt before.

Steadily they advanced, crouching close beneath the grass-heads, hiding
behind the numberless hummocks which rose in their front at intervals,
behind the tall mysterious palms whose fan-like leaves kept up an
unceasing rustle, and waving as the breeze swayed them up and down, and
blew them with a startling noise against the tall trunks.

Nearer, step by step, they crawled with bated breath, and crowds of
anxious thoughts running through their heads, lest the slightest error
or alarm might be made by some awkward companion, every now and then
lifting their heads up to note the progress they made, or the position
of the massive and fierce brutes whom they intended to atta