THE RHINOCEROS 



267 



- 

 ' In this awkward position 



after handing up the 8- 

 bore, supporting me from 

 behind with both hands. 

 As I only had one hand 

 available for the rifle 

 in this awkward posi- 

 tion, I rested it in the 

 bend of my left elbow, 

 and with an effort raised 

 myself until I had brought 

 the rifle to bear on the 

 beast's throat, which was 

 not more than seven feet 

 from the muzzle ; but 

 both barrels missed fire, 

 and before I could reload, 

 owing to my position, the 

 beast bolted and went 



