I saw that it was not the wiping off the perspiration that provoked him.

It was the shaking out of my handkerchief.

This was, as you know, of a bright scarlet colour.

I thought of this, and then, for the first time, remembered having heard that anything scarlet has a most powerful effect upon the wildebeest, and excites him to a rage resembling madness.
"I did not wish to keep up his fury.

I crumpled up the handkerchief and buried it in my pocket--preferring to endure the perspiration rather than remain there any longer.