ed off by others.

He was, of course, much shocked at the fate of Hans, though, he
observed, that it was better he should have died thus, than have
committed murder or some other mischief, as from his uncertain temper it
was very likely he would have done.

The Makololoes, on hearing that we had killed two elephants, were eager
to go at once and obtain some of the flesh; but my uncle persuaded them
to remain until the next morning, promising that they should then have
an abundance of meat.

Although expeditions on foot have their advantages, Harry and I came to
the conclusion, when we again found ourselves mounted, that we should
prefer in future going out on horseback. My uncle told us that he
expected the waggons would camp where we then were, so that we might
load them with the tusks and skins we might obtain.

Directly breakfast was over we rode to the scene of our encounter with
the two elephants, neither of which had been disturbed. The tusks were
soon removed, and the Makololoes cut away enough flesh for a whole army.
A grave was then dug, and the body of poor Hans buried. This done, we
followed the spoor of the elephants, intending to kill them while
feeding in the day-time, and afterwards attack them as they came down to
drink.

We had not ridden far when Toko, who was ahead, came back with the
intelligence that he had discovered four or five in an open glade,
plucking off the branches and leaves of their favourite trees; and that
by keeping along through the wood we might come upon them without much
risk of being discovered. Almost a minute afterwards we came in sight
of the animals, when we at once dismounted to watch them and arrange our
plan of proceeding. While some Makololoes held our horses, my uncle,
Harry, and I crept along not far from the edge of the forest, so as to
get in front of the elephants we saw feeding, while Mr Welbourn, Toko,
and one of his followers made a wider circuit, with the intention of
taking them on the other side should they move in that direction. We
hurried on, eager to get in front of the animals before they should move
away. They now offered unusually good marks to our rifles. My fear was
that their sharp eyes might detect us before we could get near enough to
fire. My uncle advised each of us to select a tree up which we could
climb, or whose trunk was of sufficient thickness to afford us
protection should the elephants, discovering us, make a charge.

As the