Now just before I had asked for the rifle I perceived a little klipspringer antelope standing on a mass of rock about seventy yards away, and had determined to risk a shot at it.
"Ye see that buck," I said, pointing the animal out to the party before me. "Tell me, is it possible for a man born of woman to kill it from here with a noise?"
"It is not possible, my lord," answered the old man.
"Yet shall I kill it," I said quietly.
The old man smiled. "That my lord cannot do," he answered.
I raised the rifle and covered the buck. It was a small animal, and one which a man might well be excused for missing, but I knew that it would not do to miss.
I drew a deep breath, and slowly pressed on the trigger. The buck stood still as a stone.
"Bang! thud!" The antelope sprang into the air and fell on the rock dead as a door nail.
A groan of terror burst from the group before us.
"If ye want meat," I remarked coolly, "go fetch that buck."
The old man made a sign, and one of his followers departed, and presently returned bearing the klipspringer. I noticed, with satisfaction, that I had hit it fairly behind the shoulder. They gathered round the poor creature's body, gazing at the bullet-hole in consternation.
"Ye see," I said, "I do not speak empty words."
There was no answer.
"If ye doubt our power," I went on, "let one of you stand upon that rock that I may make him as this buck."
None of them seemed at all inclined to take the hint, till at last the king's son spoke.
"It is well said. Do thou, my uncle, go stand upon
