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Updated: May 28, 2025
It was just such a night as lions select for going in search of prey, so dark that the king of beasts can move about unseen, and, while thus protected by invisibility, will pounce upon a man with as much confidence as he will upon a springbok. As Willem was trying to while away the time by hopeful thoughts, the air was shaken around him, by a voice which he knew to be the roar of the lion.
But on that very day another pet was added, a dear little creature, not less beautiful than the springbok, and of still more diminutive proportions. That was the fawn of an "ourebi," one of the elegant little antelopes that are found in such variety over the plains and in the "bush" of Southern Africa.
He had often lured the springbok within reach. Why would not these obey the same impulse? He determined to make trial. At the worst he could only fail, and he had no chance of getting a shot otherwise. Without losing a moment he thrust his hand into his pocket. He should have found there a large red handkerchief which he had more than once used for a similar purpose.
There was a pause in the ranks of the Yeomen, then a voice lisped through the gathering gloom, "Are you fellahs British?" "Yes, d n you; did you think we were springbok?" "No, by Jove, but we thought you were beastly Booahs. Awfully sorry if we've caused you any inconvenience. What were you chasing the other fellah foah, eh?"
But he was bred in cruelty and reared in oppression the child of injustice and hate. As the springbok is to the lion, as the locust is to the hen, so is the Kaffir to the Boer; a subject of plunder and leaven of greed. But the Kaffir is capable of courage and also of the most enduring affection. He has been known to risk his life for the welfare of his master's family.
Often in this desolate land the herds of mottled springbok and of grey rekbok could be seen sweeping over the plain, or stopping with that curiosity upon which the hunter trades, to stare at the unwonted spectacle. So all day they rode, hussars, dragoons, and lancers, over the withered veld, until men and horses drooped with the heat and the exertion.
"Thank you for that story, Swinton, and now for the rhinoceros-hunt." "I was once out hunting with a Griqua, of the name of Henrick, and two or three other men; we had wounded a springbok, and were following its track, when we came upon the footing of a rhinoceros, and shortly afterwards we saw a large black male in the bush." "You mention a black rhinoceros; is there any other?"
Before he could get under way, the Springbok took a circuit, and, passing within a hundred yards of him, fired a gun to leeward by way of compliment, set a cloud of canvas, and tore through the water at her highest speed. Outside the port of Valparaiso she fell in with Skinflint, and found him not quite so black as he was painted.
But people who pursue this game too long, and keep up the hopes of another, get infected at last themselves; and the crew of the Springbok arrived at Valparaiso infected with a little hope. Then came the Dutchman's tale, and the discussion, which ended adversely to their views; and this elicited the circular we have now the honor to lay before our readers.
Well, I leave it to you whether he can come into your husband's house." "Never." "But, at least, I can send the Springbok out, and bring him home; and that I will do without one day's delay." "Oh, Arthur!" cried Helen, "you set me an example of unselfishness." "I do what I can," said Arthur. "I am no saint. I hope for a reward." Helen sighed. "What shall I do?"
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