ne about two-thirds of the
distance without having shot a single animal, when the weather began to
change. Clouds gathered in the sky, and a thick mist swept across the
face of the country, such as occasionally, though not often, occurs in
that latitude. We agreed, however, that by turning directly back we
should have to traverse the same region we had just passed over, without
finding game, and we should thus be disappointed in obtaining food.
This was not to be thought of. I would be far better to go on to where
we should have every chance of finding it. Hans concurred with us, and,
as Jan was always ready to go forward, on we went.

In consequence of being shaded from the rays of the sun, we were better
able to travel than usual during the hot hours of the day. We had
reached the part of the country where we had expected to find the
_vlei_; but, even though Jan mounted to the topmost boughs of the
tallest tree we could find, when he came down he declared that he could
not discover water.

We therefore again pushed on, until we reached a rocky hill, to the
summit of which we climbed. Not a pool could we see either to the
north, east, south, or west.

We were now getting both hungry and thirsty, for we had exhausted the
water we had brought in our bottles. We were convinced, however, that
we must be near the _vlei_, and that some rise in the ground probably
hid it from view. While looking about we caught sight of some animals
of the deer tribe, and Harry and I arranged to go down to try and kill
one of them, while Hans and Jan were to continue the search for water,
and, should they find it, they were to meet us at the foot of the hill,
from which they started.

Keeping ourselves among the rocks and shrubs and tall grass, we made our
way in the direction we had seen the deer. As we got nearer Harry
pronounced them to be _ourebis_. We were afraid that we should have no
chance of getting within shot, for we saw them gliding rapidly along,
often bounding several feet into the air, then galloping on again, and
once more bounding on.

"I'll try a dodge I once saw practised," whispered Harry. "Do you lie
down with your rifle ready to fire behind yonder bush, and I'll go
forward and show myself. They have a good deal of curiosity in their
nature, and I'll try to excite it."

He then placed his rifle and coat and hat on the ground, and creeping a
little forward, to one side of where I lay, he suddenly rose wi