Absolutely there was no reason why he should behave in this fashion; he was simply indulging his natural instincts where he thought nobody would observe him.

Life at Mooifontein was altogether too tame and civilised for Jantje's taste, and he needed periodical recreations of this sort.

Like a civilised child he longed for wild beasts and enemies, and if there were none at hand he found a reflected satisfaction in making a pretence of their presence.
Presently, however, whilst they were yet a long way off, his quick ear caught the sound of the horse's footfalls, and he straightened himself and listened.

Not satisfied with the results, he laid himself down, put his ear to the earth, and gave a guttural sound of satisfaction.
"Baas Frank's black horse," Jantje muttered to himself.

"The black horse has a cracked heel, and one foot hits the ground more softly than the others.