HOW TOM AND HIS FRIEND WENT A-HUNTING; AND WHAT BEFELL THEM. Early next morning the march was resumed across the Groote Karoo--a vast undulating plain clothed with long waving grass, and studded with acacias, mimosa bushes, and camel-thorn--and towards noon on the succeeding day the travellers came in sight of the Black Mountains. The country through which they had now to pass was still open, but the slopes of the neighbouring hills were thickly wooded; here game of all descriptions was abundant, and the spoor of deer and other animals was frequently to be seen. "Look, father!" cried George Weston, as they were traversing at a foot-pace a fine savannah. "Look, Major Flinders, is not that a herd of deer feeding over yonder?" The Major drew rein, and unstrapping his field-glass looked in the direction indicated by his young friend. "You're right, George!" he presently exclaimed; "they're hartebeest. I say, Maurice, suppose we send the youngsters after them on their own account? They are quite old enough to go without `leading reins.'" "Oh, do, father!" cried George eagerly. "I'm sure you may trust us," put in Tom. "I am quite willing, Mat," replied Mr Weston, smiling at the boys' eagerness. "After all, there's nothing like letting lads shift for themselves to make them self-reliant. Let them go, by all means, say I." Whereupon Master Tom gave vent to an ear-splitting "who-o-o-p," for which display of excitement he was called to order by the pater. "Gently! gently, my boy," said the Major, raising his hand; "don't get excited, or I shall have to withdraw my permission." Tom looked very crestfallen. "Now, listen to me both of you," continued his father. "Do you see that curious-shaped hill looming in the distance?" "A little to our right, and about five miles off?" asked George Weston. "Five!" exclaimed Major Flinders. "It is nearer five-and-twenty! But that is the hill I mean. Well, that is Kudos Kop, and we shall this evening encamp on the banks of the Gamska, about seven miles this side of it; so now if you lose sight of us, as you're pretty sure to do, you will know in what direction to steer." "I have my pocket-compass," said Tom, producing one from his breast-pocket. "That's right! Now, see that your water-bottles are full, and put a pound or two of biscuit and some `biltong' [pieces of beef, venison, or other meat dried in the sun] into your wallets; then you'll be independent for the next forty-eight hours. Bear in mind one thing! never when attacking any animal have both your rifles unloaded at the same time; always be prepared for danger, as that is the readiest way of escaping it. Be very careful of your horses; don't over-ride them, and look out for sore backs." "All right, father, we'll not come to grief if we can help it," rejoined Tom, tightening his girths. "Now, Patrick, hand us over the `grub'-- there, that'll be plenty. Are you ready, George?" "Yes, quite ready," was the reply. "Come along!"