Product Description
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1881. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. A QUEEN OF THE TERRAI. THIS remark of the zoologist ended our visit to the kraal, as it was time to return to Steam House. I must say that Captain Hood and Mathias van Guitt did not part the best friends in the world. One wished to destroy the wild beasts of the Terrai, the other wished to catch them; yet there were plenty to satisfy both. It was, however, agreed that intercourse between the kraal and the sanitarium should be frequent. Each was to give information to the other. Van Guitt's shikarries, who were well acquainted with this sort of expedition, and knew every turn of the forest, were to render a service to Captain Hood by showing him the tracks of animals. The zoologist most obligingly placed all his men, and especially Kalagani, at his disposal. This native, although but recently engaged at the kraal, showed himself very intelligent, and completely to be depended on. In return, Captain Hood promised, as far as lay in his power, to aid in the capture of the animals which were yet wanting to complete the stock of Mathias van Guitt. Before leaving the kraal, Sir Edward Munro, who probably did not purpose making many visits there, again thanked K&lagani, whose intervention had saved him. He told him that he should always be welcome at Steam House. The native saluted coldly. Although he must have felt some sentiment of satisfaction at hearing the man whose life he had preserved speak thus, he allowed no trace of it to appear on his countenance. We returned in time for dinner. As may be imagined, Mathias van Guitt was our chief subject of conversation. "By Jove! what an absurd fellow he is," said the captain. "What with his gestures, his fine choice of words, and his grand expressions, he is a caution! Only, if he fancies that wild bea...
