On this account every one of them had concealed themselves behind the trunk of the nwana-tree, Von Bloom peeping past one side, and Hendrik the other, in order to watch his movements.
Notwithstanding the danger, they at length resolved to attack him.

They believed that if they did not do so soon, he would walk off, and leave them supperless--for they had hoped to sup upon a slice of his trunk.
Time, therefore, had grown precious, and they resolved to attack him without further ado.
They intended to creep as near as was safe.

All three would fire together, and then lie close in the bushes until they saw the effect of their shots.
Without further parley, Von Bloom, Hans, and Hendrik, leaving the tree, crept through the bushes towards the western end of the lake.

It was not a continuous thicket, but only an assemblage of copses and clumps, so that they required to steal very cautiously from one to the other.
Von Bloom led the way, while the boys kept in his tracks, following him closely.
After some five minutes spent in this way they got under cover of a little clump near the water's edge, and near enough to the gigantic game.

Upon their hands and knees they now approached the verge of the underwood; and having parted the leaves, looked through.