382 MR. OSWELL AND THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 



" Once, as I was returning from an elephant chase," said 

 Mr. Oswell to me, one day in conversation, " I observed a 

 huge white rhinoceros a short distance ahead. I was rid- 

 ing a most excellent hunter, the best and fleetest steed that 

 I ever possessed during my shooting excursions in Africa, at 

 the time ; but it was a rule with me never to pursue a rhi- 

 noceros on horseback, and simply because this animal is so 

 much more easily approached and. killed on foot. On this 

 occasion, however, it seemed as if fate had interfered. Turn- 

 ing to my after-rider, I called out, ' By Heaven ! that fellow 

 has got a fine horn. I will have a shot at him.' With that 

 I clapped spurs to my horse, who soon brought me alongside 

 the huge beast, and the next instant I lodged a ball in his 

 body, but, as it turned out, not with deadly effect. On re- 

 ceiving my shot, the rhinoceros, to my great surprise, instead 

 of seeking safety in flight, as is the habit of this generally 

 inoffensive animal, suddenly stopped short, then turned sharp- 

 ly round, and, having eyed me most curiously for a second or 

 two, walked slowly toward me. I never dreamed of danger. 

 Nevertheless, I instinctively turned my horse's head away ; 

 but, strange to say, this creature, usually so docile and gen- 

 tle — which the slightest touch of the reins would be sufficient 

 to guide — now absolutely refused to give me his head. When 

 at last he did so, it was too late; for, notwithstanding the 

 rhinoceros had 6nly been walking, the distance between us 

 was so inconsiderable that by this time I clearly saw contact 

 was unavoidable. Indeed, in another moment I observed 

 the brute bend low his head, and, with a thrust upward, 

 struck his horn into the ribs of the horse with such force as 

 to penetrate to the very saddle on the opposite side, where I 

 felt its sharp point against my leg. The violence of the blow 

 was so tremendous as to cause the horse to make a complete 

 somersault in the air, coming heavily down on his back. 

 With regard to myself, I was, as a matter of course, violently 

 precipitated to the ground. While thus prostrated, I actu- 



