Page 47 - Adventures in Africa

bounding across the plain like an army, two or three
abreast, following1 each other. Twice I heard the

report of my uncle’s rifle. Oil each occasion a deer
fell to the ground.
Jan cried out that they were blesboks, one of the

finest deer in South Africa. They had long twisting
horns, and were of a reddish colour, the legs being
much darker, with a blaze of white on the face.

I never saw a more beautiful sight. Jan was all
eagerness, and, taking my gun, he went ill chase;
but before "he could get near enough to obtain a shot,
the whole herd was scampering away across the plain,

laughing at his puny efforts to overtake them.
In a short time my uncle appeared, carrying a

portion of one of the animals on his back, and imme­
diately sent off Jan with the ox to fetch in the re­
mainder.

Here was wood and water, and game in abundance,
so that we could not have chosen a better spot for
remaining in until I was myself again. As we had

plenty of meat he was able to concoct as much broth
as I could consume. It contributed greatly to restore
my strength ; and, judging by the progress I was
making, I hoped that we should be able shortly to

resume our journey.