WITH FLASH-LIGHT AND RIFLE 



I resolved not to venture too far into unknown ter- 

 ritory. 



Again I followed the fresh tracks of a rhinoceros lead- 

 ing through salvadora and capparida bushes into the 

 open steppe which is broken by slight depressions and 

 small rifts, dried-out, periodic river-beds. I may meet 

 the animal any moment or I may never even see one. 

 The wind being favorable, I need not fear that the ani- 

 mal may scent me. So as not to be heard, my men and 

 I move as silently as possible, marching in single file. 

 Suddenly one of the men points to a far-off cluster of 

 acacias. With my field-glass I see the rhinoceros lying 

 under one of the trees. Steady nerves are needed now. 

 I have a good chance to stalk my game, but I also run 

 an unusual risk in the open, practically coverless, country 

 should I merely wound the animal and should it turn 

 against me. Accompanied by two rifle-carriers, I man- 

 age to steal up to within two hundred feet of the sleep- 

 ing creature. 



I must kill it or it may kill me. Yet it goes against 

 my grain to fire while it is asleep. My voice sounds 

 strange to me in the solitude of the wilderness when I 

 startle the beast with a shout. Quick as lightning the 

 rhinoceros is on its feet and pricks its ears. A sharp 

 report from my rifle and the infuriated animal turns 

 twice around in a circle more swiftly than a horse would 

 when given the spur. A second bullet settles the 

 mighty beast. With a thud it drops to the ground. 



352 



