most
dainty morsel for his morning meal.

The baboons from the summit of the hills had descended into the plains
in order to dig up roots, which there grew in abundance, and served them
for food. This was a sight which pleased Hans, for there are scarcely
any creatures more watchful than baboons, and thus he knew that no enemy
could approach without these creatures giving notice by their rapid
retreat to the mountain peaks. Having found a hole in the rocks close
to the caves, which was full of fresh water, there was no need to quit
the small plateau for that necessary, and thus Hans sat and watched the
changing effects of the rising sun, whilst he listened to the long-drawn
breaths of the sleepers, who, exhausted by the anxiety of the previous
night, needed more sleep than was usual.

The plains beneath Hans' hiding-place offered a beautiful panorama to
the sportsman or artist; the bright glowing tints of the foreground were
mellowed in the middle distance, whilst far away the mountains assumed a
rich blue colour, and yet stood out in bold relief against the distant
sky, the dry air failing to give the subdued effect of distance usually
observed in our climate. Amidst the groves of wide-spreading acacia, or
near the banks of the many tiny streams that wound along the plain, were
groups of game. Herds of elands, buffaloes, and quaggas were scattered
here and there, whilst smaller and solitary bucks could be seen, now
bounding away from some fancied danger, then grazing on the green and
fresh grass. The sportsman, provided with ammunition and gun, could
keep his camp in plenty here, and need have no fear of starving, were it
not that the game at times migrates and leaves a district, when the food
ceases to be attractive or plentiful.

As Hans watched the various animals, he noticed a troop of quaggas
galloping rapidly across the flats; their passage seemed to alarm
various other creatures which had previously been feeding in quietness,
and there was a general movement among the quadrupeds. The baboons
ceased their labours and moved leisurely up the ravine, till reaching
commanding positions on the summits of rocky eminences, they stood
erect, and barked their displeasure at some threatening danger.

Hans, determining to obtain a better view of whatever might be the
cause, ascended the rocks above his cave, and, taking care to screen
himself from observation, scanned the distant country. He soon saw that
the ani