Free Fearless Master of the Jungle (A Bunduki Jungle Adventure by J.T. Edson Page A

the
conditions they required, the girl and the blond giant were aware
that their task was still anything but a sinecure. Not only did
they know the dangers of attempting to make the capture with the
quaggas in full flight, they had realized that the boleadoras could not be
employed successfully if their quarry was standing still. So they
had to produce the happy medium of causing sufficient movement to
let the devices take the proper effect, but not such a rapid motion
that being brought down unexpectedly could result in a serious
injury. There was also, as they appreciated, the danger that one of
the stone weights on the cords might strike the victim’s legs and
do damage. Such an eventuality was less likely to occur when the
mare and stallion were walking, or at a slow trot, than if they
were galloping. However, Bunduki had taken all these factors into
consideration when giving his instructions.
    ‘ Come
on, At-Vee!’ the blond giant breathed, throwing a quick look across
the river to find out whether the Telonga couple had fully
understood what was wanted from them. He did not doubt their
intelligence, but neither had ever been involved in such an
activity and the way in which they played their parts could make
all the difference in how it turned out. ‘Now’s the
time!’
    Almost as if he had
heard Bunduki’s barely audible words, the Hunter nodded at
Joar-Fane. As they set their mounts into motion, it was obvious
that they had not forgotten their orders. They induced the banar-gatalis to advance at a somewhat faster pace and the girl
did not resume her singing. In spite of the latter omission, their
actions were quickly noticed by the quaggas. One after another of
the animals began to gaze around. Even the stallion turned his
attention from the Earth couple.
    As they watched to see how the quaggas
were reacting, Dawn and Bunduki tensed ready to go into action.
They came to a stop, conscious that everything now depended upon
the way in which the stallion responded to the sight of the
Telongas drawing nearer.
    For a few seconds, while the rest of
the band moved restlessly and awaited his guidance, the male quagga
stood indecisive. Then, as the blond giant had hoped he would, he
concluded that discretion was called for. He was not frightened,
but considered it advisable to move away from the approaching human
beings and also keep clear of the pair of strange creatures which
had already caused him some perturbation. Letting out a commanding
snort, he wheeled away from the stream.
    Clearly having expected some
such reaction, the isabelline mare threw up her head and started to
lead the band away at a trot. The direction she was taking was such
that they would go past Dawn and Bunduki at a distance of about
forty yards. The rest of the band followed her, with the stallion
bringing up the rear. Waiting until they were on the move, the Telongas gave
yells intended to divert them from the real danger.
    Everything was going exactly as
Bunduki ’s
plan needed, even to the formation of the band as it moved off.
Having anticipated that the stallion would keep behind the rest and
hoping the isabelline mare would take the lead, he and Dawn had
positioned themselves accordingly. Furthermore, in spite of keeping
an eye on the Telongas, the mare did not break into a gallop. Most
important of all, neither she nor the stallion were looking at the
Earth couple.
    Satisfied that all was well, Bunduki
knew there was no need to give the girl any further instructions.
She was equally capable of assessing the situation. So, instead of
wasting even a split second to make sure that she was ready, he
devoted his full attention to the task upon which he was about to
engage.
    Forward and up rose the blond
giant ’s
right arm, swinging the boleadora vertically in a circle. Having done this, he
carried it out and around horizontally above his head while taking
aim. Waiting until the two round balls were directly behind him, he
pitched the