In order that they should show themselves simultaneously, and at the proper moment, they were to wait for a signal from the tree.

This was to be the firing of the great "roer," loaded blank.

Hans and Hendrik were also to fire blank shots on discovering themselves, and by this means the desired panic would be produced.
The whole scheme was well contrived, and succeeded admirably.

The herd appeared filing over the plain, just as on the preceding days.

Von Bloom announced their approach to the three in ambush, by repeating in a subdued tone the words,-- "Quaggas are coming!" The unsuspecting animals filed through the gorge, scattered about in the water, drank their fill, and then commenced retiring by the path on which lay the trap.
The leader having climbed the bank, and seeing the fresh grass and rushes strewed upon the path, uttered a snorting bark, and seemed half inclined to wheel round.