noon
Fortunately for white hunters these pits were not staked , as after a week or two the slight covering of sticks , leaves and dirt is overlaid with vines and vegetation that completely conceals it from sight . Indeed , they had passed more than one pit on their way . A guide was sent back with them when they left the scene of operation . A little after noon as they neared the safari they came upon a village which was in great excitement . The day before , a man had been killed and another badly gored by a bull buffalo , and the wounded man was then in camp under the doctor 's care . The villagers appealed to the white men to kill the buffalo , and the latter needed little urging . `` You want to be careful , '' said Schoverling as they advanced on foot with some of the men .