e the
spoor any further; and after wasting several hours in attempting by
casts to take up the proper spoor, we gave it up, and with a sorrowful
heart I turned my horse's head toward camp.

Having reached the wagons, while drinking my coffee I reviewed the whole
day's work, and felt much regret at my want of luck in my first day's
elephant hunting, and I resolved that night to watch the water, and try
what could be done with elephants by night shooting. I accordingly
ordered the usual watching-hole to be constructed, and, having placed my
bedding in it, repaired thither shortly after sundown. I had lain about
two hours in the hole, when I heard a low rumbling noise like distant
thunder, caused (as the Bechuanas affirmed) by the bowels of the
elephants which were approaching the fountain. I lay on my back, with my
mouth open, attentively listening, and could hear them plowing up the
earth with their tusks. Presently they walked up to the water, and
commenced drinking within fifty yards of me.

They approached with so quiet a step that I fancied it was the footsteps
of jackals which I had heard, and I was not aware of their presence
until I heard the water, which they had drawn up in their trunks and
were pouring into their mouths, dropping into the fountain. I then
peeped from my sconce with a beating heart, and beheld two enormous bull
elephants, which looked like two great castles, standing before me. I
could not see very distinctly, for there was only starlight. Having lain
on my breast some time taking my aim, I let fly at one of the
elephants, using the Dutch rifle carrying six to the pound. The ball
told loudly on his shoulder, and, uttering a loud cry, he stumbled
through the fountain, when both made off in different directions.

All night large herds of zebras and blue wildebeests capered around me,
coming sometimes within a few yards. Several parties of rhinoceroses
also made their appearance. I felt a little apprehensive that lions
might visit the fountain, and every time that hyaenas or jackals lapped
the water I looked forth, but no lions appeared. At length I fell into a
sound sleep, nor did I awake until the bright star of morn had shot far
above the eastern horizon.

Before proceeding further with my narrative, it may here be interesting
to make a few remarks on the African elephant and his habits. The
elephant is widely diffused through the vast forests, and is met with in
herds of various numbers. Th