}04 TURNING THE TABLES. 



again, so as to describe a semicircle. He was so close to Bob while making this 

 movement that the youth saw distinctly the ugly-looking red lining of the upper 

 lip, which overhung with a sharp point the lower jaw, and the dark, muddy skin 

 running along under the head and between the forelegs. 



When the enormous bulk swung around so that the two sword-like horns towered 

 directly above the boy, the mass settled to rest as though the piggish eyes, up 

 above, had detected something suspicious. 



" He sees me," was the thought of Bob, softly drawing in his feet so that he 

 would be ready to spring up and dart off. 



But, if the rhinoceros observed the lad, he ought to have lowered his head, so as 

 to bring his eyes in position. The fact that he did not do so led the youth to hope 

 that his presence remained undetected. 



Finally, when the head had described its partial circle and settled back to rest, 

 the point of the hideous snout was lowered as though the owner believed his game 

 had escaped. He made no further search, but, with a grunting sniff, moved off 

 through the grass. 



The course which he took brought him still nearer Bob, who scarcely breathed 

 until the beast lumbered past and vanished in the vegetation, his crashing tread 

 being audible for several minutes afterward. 



Bob dared not stir until sure his enemy was gone. Then he rose to his feet, 

 and hurriedly recovered his rifle. That finished, he walked over to where his pooi 

 horse lay. 



Tears came to his eyes as he gazed on the noble animal, or rather, on what had 

 been such a noble animal, for there was no breath left in his body. A hunter 

 always forms a strong attachment to his horse or dog, and cannot look upon his 

 death without a pang. 



When Bob had stood several minutes in silence, he stooped over and removed 

 the bridle and saddle. 



" We have spare horses, but alas, my faithful pony, none ot them is you," he 

 muttered; " I'll take these with me." 



His situation was not the most pleasant in the world, for he did not know where 

 his friends were, and was afraid of making any outcry or signal lest he should bring 

 ^own the enraged rhinoceros from which he had barely escaped with his life. 



The direction of the wind enabled him to form a general idea of the proper 

 course to reach Jack and Dick. He tramped through the tall grass, reflecting on 

 the contrast between hunting wild game and being hunted yourself by the wild 

 game. 



As the Frenchman observed, " It iz veree fine to hunt ze tigare, but, when ze 

 tigare hunts you, it is not so fine." 



" I would like to get another shot at that fellow," he said, half tempted to turn 

 about and hunt for him; "but there don't seem much use of pumping bullets into 

 him unless you reach the right spot. Hope the rest of the folks will have better 

 luck than I." 



