TOSSED BY A BUFFALO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 8, 20 February 1892, Page 191

TOSSED BY A BUFFALO.

In Doctor Pruen’s book, ‘ The Arab and the African,’ he describes a nocturnal adventure of a friend of his who went out one evening in search of game, his people being in want of meat. After hunting for some time he came in sight of an antelope, and began stalking it. He was an expert hunter, and succeeded in getting well within range without attracting the antelope’s attention ; hut in doing so he accomplished a feat which Doctor Pruen thinks, must be almost unparalleled in the annals of hunting. So cautiously did he approach through the long grass that he was unnoticed by a buffalo lying in it ; and so intent was he on his expected game, that, unknown to himself, he stalked right up to the bnffalo, and stood just in front of its head, with his back to it. In a second the astonished animal was on its feet, and the sound brought Cole sharply round ; but so close were the two, that although Cole’s gun was at full cock, the buffalo had caught him on the back before he could fire, and his gun flew from his hand as he went flying through the air.

A second and a third time did the infuriated animal gore and toss him before he could realise his position and restrain his shouts. Then he lay motionless and quiet, feigning death, but expecting every moment to be tossed again. The buffalo stood eyeing him for a few minutes, and then, half satisfied that its work was done, trotted off and stood again to watch its victim at a short distance. Then it disappeared in the jungle, while Cole’s native boy, a frightened spectator of what had happened, ran to the house two miles away, and brought assistance.