NEW FIELDS TO CONQUER. 41, 



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

 a huge white rhinoceros a short distance ahead. I was riding a 

 most excellent hunter— the best and fleetest steed that I ever pos- 

 sessed during my shooting excursions in Africa— at the time ; but 

 it was a rule with me never to pursue a rhinoceros 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. 



" Turning to my after-rider, I called out : ' By heaven I 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 eflfect. On receiving my shot, the 

 rhinoceros, to my great surprise, instead of seeking safety in flight 

 as IS the habit of this generally inofl-ensive animal, suddenly 

 stopped short, and turned sharply round, and, having eyed me 

 most curiously for a second or two, walked slowly towards me. 



IN A PERILOUS SITUATION. 



" I never dreamt of danger. Nevertheless, I instantly turned 

 my horse's head away ; but, strange to say, this creature, usually 

 30 docile and gentle— 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 only been walking, the distance between us was so 

 inconsiderable, that by this time I clearly saw contact was unavoid- 

 able. Indeed, in another moment I observed the brute bend low 

 his head, and wdth a thrust upwards, strike 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 down on 

 Its back. With regard to myself, I was, as a matter of course 

 violently precipitated to the ground. Whilst thus prostrated I 

 actually saw the horn of the infuriated beast alongside of me • but 

 seemingly satisfied with his revenge, without attempting to do 



