THE RHINOCEROS. 35 



of my hunters, particularly in the art of creeping. I 

 have before observed that hunting in Africa has no re- 

 semblance to that in Europe ; that to get within the reach 

 of certain wild animals we must approach them without 

 being perceived ; and that it is impossible to get near 

 them but by creeping on the belly. Those who have 

 acquired this art are called vekruypers, and it was in this 

 quaJity that Jonker asked leave to attack alone the two 

 rhinoceroses, assuring me that he would acquit himself to 

 my satisfaction. 



" As his design would not prevent the execution of 

 our plan, and as, in case his particular attack should not 

 succeed, it would not impede our general one, I granted 

 his request. He then stripped himself naked, and, 

 taking his fusee, proceeded towards the animals, creep- 

 ing on his belly like a serpent. 



" In the mean time I pointed out to my hunters the 

 different posts they were to occupy. They repaired to 

 them by circuitous ways, each accompanied by two men. 

 As for me, I remained on the spot where I was with two 

 Hottentots, one of whom held, my horse and the other 

 my dogs ; but, to avoid being seen, we posted ourselves 

 behind a bush. 



" In my hand I held a glass, which had often enabled 

 me to see the operation of stage machinery and the effect 

 of our theatrical decorations. How changed the scene ! 

 At this moment it brought before me two hideous monsters, 

 which at times turned towards me their frightful heads. 

 Their movements, which indicated fear and observation, 

 soon became more frequent, and I was apprehensive they 

 had heard the agitation of my dogs, who, having dis- 

 covered them, made efforts to escape from the keeper, 

 and rush upon them. Jonker still kept slowly advancing, 

 but with his eyes fixed on the two animals. If he saw 

 them turn their heads, he stopped, and remained motion- 

 less ; one would have taken him for a large stone, and 

 indeed in this resj)ect I myself was deceived. He con- 

 tinued creeping with various interruptions for more than 

 an hour. At length I saw him proceed towards a large 

 bush of euphorbia, which was only 200 paces from the 



