THE RHINOCEROS. 151 



up furrows seven or eight inches deep, throwing around 

 them a shower of stones and pehbles. 



"During this time we were all approaching, in 

 order to make as close a circle round them as pos- 

 sible, and to bring all our forces against them. 

 This multitude of enemies with which they saw 

 themselves surrounded, threw them into inexpres- 

 sible fury. Suddenly the male stopped, and ceasing 

 to fly before the dogs, turned upon them to attack 

 and rip them up. But whilst he was pursuing them 

 the female got away. 



" I was not sorry for this flight, which was indeed 

 much in our favour, for it is certain, that in spite 

 of our number and our arms, two such formidable 

 enemies would have very much embarrassed us. I 

 must even acknowledge that without my dogs we 

 should not have been able to encounter the risks 

 and perils of the one remaining. The traces of 

 blood which he left on his path told us that he 

 had received more than one wound, which only 

 served to increase his rage. 



"Nevertheless, after some time occupied in making 

 his furious attack, he beat retreat, and seemed to 

 wish to gain some bushes, apparently to support him- 

 self, and that he might be harassed in front only. I 

 divined his ruse, and with the design of preventing 

 it, I ran towards the bushes, making signs to the 



