The storm was at its height when the horses
began to struggle, and rushed to and fro in a
most disconcerted manner. It became at once
obvious that if the reims did not break they
would throw themselves down, and cause each
other serious injury. I shouted to them, and
both boys were rushing to the spot, when a
heavier plunge than any of the previous ones tore
them loose, and off they darted across the veldt
as fast as their legs could carry them.
Hyft.
253



In an instant they were out of sight, and all we
could learn of the directioQ in which they had
gone was the fast dying out thud, thud, thud, of
their galloping hoofs.
This was not a time for inaction.
Divesting myself of the blankets, and springing
to the ground, I ordered my boys to follow, and
made after the retreating quadrupeds.
It was impossible to see the obstacles lying in
my way, so ere I Lad gone a hundred yards I
stumbled over a bush, and received a fearful fall,
causing me to think at the moment that I had
broken one of my arms.
However, I had no time for thought; rapidity
of movement was essential, as already it was with
difficulty that I could hear the guiding sounds ;
but here the native's instinct came in.
The Hottentot went in front of me, and I
followed him at my best pace ; but so intensely
dark was the night, that though I was well aware
he was close to me, it was with strained eyesight
that I got an occasional glimpse of him.
But the little fellow was equal to the difficulty,
and bravely pushed on, momentarily calhng on
the frightened animals to stop.
