But just at that moment boomed the loud detonation of the roer; and, then, like lesser echoes, the reports of the smaller guns on the right and left, while Swartboy shouted at the top pitch of his voice, from another quarter.
A look back showed the quaggas that they were well-nigh surrounded by strange enemies.

But one course appeared open to them--the way they were wont to go; and barking with affright, the whole drove dashed up the bank, and crowded on towards the pit.
Then was heard a confused noise--the cracking of the poles--the trampling of many hoofs--the dull sounds of heavy bodies falling together, and mingling in a continuous struggle--and the wild snorting, as the creatures hurried forward in affright.

Some were seen springing high in the air, as if to overleap the pit.

Others poised themselves on their hind hoofs, and wheeling round, ran back into the lake.

Some dashed off through the bushes, and escaped in that way; but the great body of the drove came running back, and plunging through the water, made off by the gorge through which they had come.