Four would do; but of course it mattered not how many more got into the pit.
The more the better, as a large number would give them the advantage of "pick and choose." Dinner over, the hunters set about preparing for the reception of their expected visitors.

As already stated, the dinner had been later than usual; and it was now near the hour when the quaggas might be looked for.
In order to be in time, each took his station.

Hans, Hendrik, and Swartboy, placed themselves in ambush around the lake--at intervals from one another; but the lower end, where the animals usually approached and went out, was left quite open.

Von Bloom remained on the platform in the tree, so as to mark the approach of the quaggas, and give warning by a signal to the other three.

The positions taken by these were such, that they could guide the herd in the direction of the pit by merely coming out of the bushes where they lay concealed.