Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/274

 and to stop. They were obliged to dispense with dogs, and despite the agility of Joe, he did not possess the nose of a pointer or of a harrier. In the bed of a torrent, where some small pools still lingered, a herd of twelve antelopes were quenching their thirst. These graceful animals, scenting danger, appeared restless; between each draught they would raise their pretty heads quickly, and sniff the air with their mobile nostrils.

Kennedy passed around some massive trees, while Joe remained motionless. The Scot leveled and fired. The herd disappeared in the twinkling of an eye, all except a fine buck, which, hit in the shoulder, fell dead. Kennedy rushed forward to secure the booty. It was a "blawebock," a splendid animal of a pale blue tint, tending to gray; the belly and inside of the legs was of a snowy whiteness.

"A capital shot," cried the sportsman. "This is a very rare species of antelope, and I hope I shall be able to prepare his skin."

"You really think of doing so, Mr. Dick?"

"Certainly; what a splendid coat the fellow has got."

"But what will Doctor Ferguson say to such an additional weight?"

"Right, Joe. But it is a pity to leave such a splendid animal as that."

"Altogether, no, sir; we will cut off the best bits, and, if you will allow me, I will do it as well as the Lord Mayor's butcher himself."

"Very well, my friend, but nevertheless you must know that it is no more difficult for me to cut up the game than to kill it."

"I am quite sure of that, Mr. Dick; so, if it will not trouble you, make a fireplace out of three stones; there is a quantity of dead wood, and I only ask a few minutes before I shall be ready to make use of your hot embers."

"That will not be long," said Kennedy, who proceeded to the construction of his fireplace, which was ready, blazing, a minute or two later.

Joe meantime had cut from the antelope a dozen excellent cutlets and the tenderest portions of the fillet, which were soon transformed into a most savory grill.

"Won't this please friend Samuel," said Dick.