The leopard was uneasy, she prowled around the cave sensing danger. In the distance thunder growled and lightning flashed across the sky. She went back to her cubs gently giving them a lick around the ears. Settling down next to them, but alert to danger she guarded her cubs. She had sensed man nearby which brought back memories of the time her mother had stalked a lone goat which had strayed from the herd being led by a herder. The masai had seen her and with a quick throw of the spear, her mother lay dead. She had fled off from where she had watched her mother die, but the memory of man stayed with her. They were around now. It was time to move her cubs to a new home.
A masai had noticed activity in the vicinity of the rocks where a leopard had her cubs.
The masai had greeted the man who he thought was a guard siting nearby. He had said " He was waiting to be picked up by his Bwana".But the masai had sat down and brought out some beer, the guard had looked on thirstily and slowly his tongue had loosened.
He was watching the leopard in case it moved. His bwana had shown great interest in it, but he did not say why. He had looked guilty at what he had already spoken about.
Menzes pointed at the map laid out on the table " This was where my informant saw the guard. There are four of them altogether. Two hunters and one driver and this guard. Looks like they will be going in anytime now, they cannot risk the tracks being too muddy with their heavy trucks. Also planes will not be able to land. I do not think they will risk going by river, it is too far and risky. The patrol boat looking for poachers is always going up and down."
That night the heavens had opened and rain had thundered down. It did not last long, but was the warning the rainy season was here.
"Tomorrow we move in, we cannot wait, the road will be impassable" said Van Piet getting out of his chair in front of the tent. "If need be, we shoot the female, we do not have time on our side anymore". Patel lit another cigarette and blew a stream of smoke out through his nostrils. " I agree, better we get this job done. My wife was asking when I will be home. We hang around too long, tongues might start to talk. Man', we have had some good times together, now let us have a beer, relax and start early. Have you finished arrangements for the pickup.?"
"Yes, I only have to phone the time and place, he will meet us there. He has arranged to have a vet on board just in case".
Cheers my friend, and to our retirement".
"I have heard, it is on for tomorrow morning, you must get out and in place, before they are on the move." Hopefully my friends you will get your men" I will now go and phone and make the arrangements. The fewer people who know the better I think" Menzes left in a cloud of blue smoke from his cigar.
Back at the camp Nick and Dawn had scurried back to their tent. It was raining hard and huge puddles were everywhere.
The hippos were quiet for a change they both noticed.
Unzipping the flap they ducked in and with a quick check around in case some uninvited visitor was hiding they sat down on the camp beds. "Fancy a nightcap" he asked picking up a bottle of brandy from the table. "Sorry we don't have any ice to go with it". "That's fine" said Dawn cradling the tooth mug in her hands. "I'm bushed, must be all this fresh air, I don't think it will be long before I fall asleep".
"Wonder what we will see tomorrow " he said pulling out his animal guide book.
Remember to click on any picture to enlarge it.
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I have started coming down the nose and have made a start on the eyes. I will gradually fill in the other areas around the eyes, making my way across and down.
Come back and see what is happening next week.
Framed originals and mounted prints are for sale. E-mail me if interested.
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