The hartebeest has a weakness in its character, opposite to which the wild hound possesses a cunning.
The former when chased, although it runs in a straight line, does not keep long in a direct course.

Now and then it diverges to one side or the other, led perhaps by the form of the ground, or some other circumstance.

In this habit lies its weakness.

The wild hound is well aware of it, and takes advantage of it by a manoeuvre, which certainly savours strongly of reflection on his part.
Our field-cornet had a proof of this as he watched the chase.

His elevated position gave him a view of the whole ground, and he could note every movement both of pursuer and pursued.
On breaking off, the hartebeest ran in a right line, and the hounds followed straight after.