250 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA CHAP. 



the Lorian Swamp and eventually makes its way 

 eastward until it joins the Juba River not far from 

 Kismayu, which is a couple of hundred miles north 

 of Mombasa. 



We camped at a place called Gerger, and after 

 our mid-day meal, saw close outside the camp, 

 and lumbering along in our direction, a huge 

 old rhino. We were all three most interested in 

 him, and set out to have a look at him more closely, 

 thinking we were perfectly safe, as the wind was 

 blowing from him towards us. We had no in- 

 tention of molesting him in any way, but hoped 

 we might be so lucky as to get near enough to take 

 his photograph. 



His intentions, however, were not so peaceful, for 

 unfortunately when we got to within about 60 yards 

 of him the wind suddenly veered round and revealed 

 our presence to the great brute, instantly arousing 

 his fury. Up went head and tail, and he twisted 

 round with the agility of a cat to face us, at the same 

 moment giving a loud snort. 



Seeing this I called out to Mrs. B., "You had 

 better fire, as he is coming for us." While he still 

 swayed from side to side, her shot rang out and the 

 bullet from her .450 struck him in the shoulder 

 and brought him to his knees, with his nose on 

 the ground, his hind quarters still remaining up- 

 right. Another bullet from the second barrel again 



