Page:The Swiss Family Robinson (Kingston).djvu/293

Rh and defend us, like the fighting bulls of the Hottentots? That would be really useful!"

“I am sure I should much prefer a gentle bull to a fighting one!” exclaimed his mother; “but do you mean to say tame oxen can be taught to act rationally on the defensive?”

“I can but repeat what I have heard or read,” replied I, “as regards the race of Hottentots who inhabit the south of Africa, among all sorts of wild and ferocious animals.

“The wealth of these people consists solely in their flocks and herds, and for their protection, they train their bulls to act as guards.

“These courageous animals keep the rest from straying away, and when danger threatens, they give instant notice of it, drive the herd together in a mass, the calves and young cows being placed in the centre; around them the bulls and strong oxen make a formidable circle with their horned heads turned to the front, offering determined resistance to the fiercest foe.

“These fighting bulls will even sometimes rush with dreadful bellowing to meet the enemy; and should it be a mighty lion or other strong and daring monster, sacrifice their own lives in defence of the herd.

“It is said that formerly, when Hottentot tribes made war on one another, it was not not unusual to place a troop of these stout-hearted warriors in the van of the little army, when their heroism led to decisive victory on one side or the other.

“But,” continued I, “although I can see you are all delighted with my description of these fine warlike animals, I think we had better train this youngster to be a peaceable bull. Who is to have charge of him?”

Ernest thought it would be more amusing to train his monkey than a calf. Jack, with the buffalo and his hunting jackal, had quite enough on his hands. Fritz was content with the onager. Their mother was voted mistress of the old grey donkey. And I