her took any notice of
my approach--the one because he had enough to do to guard himself from
the terrible blows, and the other because he was so occupied in
delivering them.

When within twenty paces I levelled my gun. I chose the bull who
appeared victor, partly as a punishment for his want of feeling in
striking a fallen antagonist, but, perhaps, more because his broadside
was towards me, and presented a fairer mark.

I fired.

The smoke hid both for a moment. When it cleared off, I saw the bull
that had been conquered still down in a kneeling attitude, but, to my
great surprise, the one at which I had aimed was upon his feet,
apparently as brisk and sound as ever! I knew I had hit him
somewhere--as I heard the 'thud' of the bullet on his fat body--but it
was plain I had not crippled him.

I was not allowed time for reflection as to where I had wounded him. Not
an instant indeed, for the moment the smoke cleared away, instead of the
bulls clearing off also, I saw the one I had shot at fling up his tail,
lower his shaggy front, and charge right towards me!

His fierce eyes glanced with a revengeful look, and his roar was enough
to have terrified one more courageous than I. I assure you I was less
frightened the other day when I encountered the lion.

I did not know what to do for some moments. I thought of setting myself
in an attitude of defence, and involuntarily had turned my gun which was
now empty--intending to use it as a club. But I saw at once, that the
slight blow I could deliver would not stop the onset of such a strong
fierce animal, and that he would butt me over, and gore me, to a
certainty.

I turned my eyes to see what hope there lay in flight. Fortunately they
fell upon an ant-hill--the one I had just emerged from. I saw at a
glance, that by climbing it I would be out of reach of the fierce
wildebeest. Would I have time to get to it before he could overtake me?

I ran like a frightened fox. You, Hendrik, can beat me running upon
ordinary occasions. I don't think you could have got quicker to that
ant-hill than I did.

I was not a second too soon. As I clutched at the little turrets, and
drew myself up, I could hear the rattle of the wildebeest's hoofs behind
me, and I fancied I felt his hot breath upon my heels.

But I reached the top cone in safety; and then turned and looked down at
my pursuer. I saw that he could not follow me any farther. Sharp as his
horns were, I saw that I was safe