y are coming in this direction. Dyke, boy, we must make
up our mind to get one of these."

"But we could never get it home. They're bigger than bullocks."

"Let's shoot one, and then talk of getting it home. What about a span
of oxen and a couple of hurdles! We could drag it back, and it would
make biltong, and so last us for weeks."

"Ugh! Leather!" cried Dyke.

"And give us plenty of fresh meat for present eating, and fat to cook
for months."

"Don't make my mouth water too much, Joe."

"Hush! Be quiet now; move close up to your horse's shoulder, rest your
gun across it, and then you will be better hidden. Are you loaded all
right?"

"Bullet in each barrel."

"That will do. Now mind, if we do get a chance at one, you will aim
just at the shoulder. Try and don't be flurried."

"All right."

"Give him both barrels, so as to make sure. Try and fire when I do."

Dyke nodded, and they waited for fully two hours, during which time
zebras, quaggas, and various kinds of antelopes charged down near them,
startled by the sight of the two curious-looking horses, standing so
patiently there in the middle of the plain, and after halting nervously,
they careered away again, the trampling of their feet sounding like the
rush of a storm.

Again and again the hunters had opportunities for bringing down goodly,
well-fed antelope, when a herd bounded up, wheeled, halted, and stood at
gaze; but there in the background were the great eland, each coming
slowly and cautiously on, as if they had also been surprised by the
aspect of the horses, and were curious to know what manner of creatures
these might be.

Dyke wanted to say "Let's shoot;" but his lips did not part, and he
stood patiently watching at one time, impatiently at another, feeling as
he did that his brother was letting a magnificent chance go by.

Twice over the position was startling, when first a herd of quaggas and
then one of gnus charged down upon them, and Dyke felt that the next
minute he would be trampled under foot by the many squadrons of
wild-eyed, shaggy little creatures. But the horses stood fast,
comforted and encouraged by the presence of their masters, while the
fierce-looking herds halted, stood, stamped, and tossed their heads, and
went off again.

At last, when hundreds upon hundreds of the various antelopes had
passed, the elands were still browsing about, nearly half a mile away,
and seemed not likely to come any nearer. A he