THE RHINOCEROS 



at him. This did not please him a bit, but after 

 many short rushes to the edge of the ravine, he gave 

 it up and departed slowly, his tail very erect and 

 rigid. From the persistency with which he tried to 

 get at me, I cannot but think he intended something 

 of the sort from the first. 



The third instance was much more aggravating. 

 In company with Memba Sasa and Fundi I left camp 

 early one morning to get a waterbuck. Four or five 

 hundred yards out, however, we came on fresh buf- 

 falo signs, not an hour old. To one who knew any- 

 thing of buffaloes' habits this seemed like an excellent 

 chance, for at this time of the morning they should 

 be feeding not far away preparatory to seeking cover 

 for the day. Therefore we immediately took up the 

 trail. 



It led us over hills, through valleys, high grass, 

 burned country, brush, thin scrub, and small wood- 

 land alternately. Unfortunately we had happened 

 on these buffalo just as they were about changing 

 district, and they were therefore travelling steadily. 

 At times the trail was easy to follow, and at other 

 times we had to cast about very diligently to find 

 traces of the direction even such huge animals had 

 taken. It was interesting work, however, and we 

 drew on steadily, keeping a sharp lookout ahead in 

 case the buffalo had come to a halt in some shady 



305 



