sliding and the earth-cracks pedestrianism was excessively
hard work.
Ant heaps were numerous, the wide-spreading plain being
dotted with their pyramid forms, some being twelve feet
high. For a hunter they are unsurpassed as spying stations.
Ascending one of the heaps, we distinguished a monster
troupe of elephants, larger than any I had seen, for it must
have numbered at least a hundred.
The wind, being shifty and light, was bad for stalking.
We were almost blinded by the glare, but waded along
sturdily until we were close up to the herd. The grass was
so high at this point that, for the matter of outlook, we
might as well have been in a thick bush.
However, I could just discern the tops of the heads of the
immense beasts, and, listening, I could hear the tramp of
their huge feet clipping the grass like a sickle. Now and
again a cough, or mayhap a low bugle note, would come from
some tough old trumpet as the herd swept irresistibly and
majestically along. Those were exciting moments. The
keenest eye and steadiest nerves were necessary.
Beckoning to Fred—who did not seem to relish the
position very much—to be ready with the second gun, I
seized the eight-bore, a good opportunity having occurred,
for the grass was somewhat shorter, and at no distance off
two fine bulls were moving along. With the object of
seeing more distinctly, and; yet knowing well what the
result would be, I drew my feet together.
A flash, a crash, and away went three ounces of lead to
lodge in the massive body of the nearest bull, whilst I fell
violently to the ground in the opposite direction. Immediately
regaining my feet, I discharged the other barrel in
elephant number two, an ancient and splendid tusker of
gigantic proportions.
ELEPHANT MARSHES, SHIRKS