DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11789#0144
134
A CHASE.
Seeing, however, that the poor beasts were kept on
the slimmest fare, we resolved this day to have
them well fed at our own charge—the more espe-
cially as we designed making a journey somewhat
longer than usual before we pitched our tent for
the night. Accordingly, while we, reclining under
the shade of a fine olive-tree, were involving our-
selves in the fumes of the " fragrant, weed," as a
protection against the gnats, they (the horses) had
been making a hearty meal on barley; the heartiest,
I ween, that they had had for many a weary day.
The effect of this high feeding was soon apparent.
On ordinary occasions, though quite obedient to the
whip or spur, they seemed to move because they
must; but now it was a delight for them to carry us
at their swiftest speed. The air this afternoon was
even more exhilarating than usual. It chanced that
our road lay through an extensive and level plain.
After we had travelled at an uncommonly rapid
pace for two or three hours, we espied, about two hun-
dred yards from our path, a jackal skulking among
the weeds. Immediately, all of us, as if actuated by
one spirit, set off after him in full pursuit; my
horse happened to be one of the best; but although
in the first part of the chase I was among the fore-
most, the jackal turned his course so as to bring
A CHASE.
Seeing, however, that the poor beasts were kept on
the slimmest fare, we resolved this day to have
them well fed at our own charge—the more espe-
cially as we designed making a journey somewhat
longer than usual before we pitched our tent for
the night. Accordingly, while we, reclining under
the shade of a fine olive-tree, were involving our-
selves in the fumes of the " fragrant, weed," as a
protection against the gnats, they (the horses) had
been making a hearty meal on barley; the heartiest,
I ween, that they had had for many a weary day.
The effect of this high feeding was soon apparent.
On ordinary occasions, though quite obedient to the
whip or spur, they seemed to move because they
must; but now it was a delight for them to carry us
at their swiftest speed. The air this afternoon was
even more exhilarating than usual. It chanced that
our road lay through an extensive and level plain.
After we had travelled at an uncommonly rapid
pace for two or three hours, we espied, about two hun-
dred yards from our path, a jackal skulking among
the weeds. Immediately, all of us, as if actuated by
one spirit, set off after him in full pursuit; my
horse happened to be one of the best; but although
in the first part of the chase I was among the fore-
most, the jackal turned his course so as to bring