SOUTHERN AFRICA. 315 



could only obtain a view of him from the distance of three 

 hundred yards. Crouched on this fortified pinnacle^ like 

 the sculptured fig-ure at the entrance of a nobleman's park^ 

 the enemy disdainfully surveyed us for several minutes^ 

 daring" us to approach with an air of conscious power and 

 pride, which well beseemed his g-rizzled form. As the rifle 

 balls struck the g*round nearer and nearer at each discharg-e, 

 his wrath, as indicated by his g-listening' eyes, increased 

 roar, and impatient switching- of the tail, was clearly 

 g'etting' the mastery over his prudence. Presently a shot 

 broke his leg". Down he came upon the other three witli 

 reckless impetuosity, his tail straight out and whirling* on 

 its axis, his mane bristling* on end, and his eye-balls flashing" 

 rag'e and veng*eance. Unable, however, to overtake our 

 horses, he shortly retreated under a heavy fire, limping* and 

 discomfited to his strong* hold. Ag*ain we bombarded him, 

 and, ag'ahi exasperated, he rushed into the plain with 

 headlong- fury — the blood now streaming- from his open jaws 

 and dyeing* his mane with crimson. It was a g"allant 

 charo-e. but it was to be his last. A well-directed shot 

 arresting- him in full career, he pitched with violence upon 

 his skull, and throwing* a complete somerset, subsided amid 

 a cloud of dust. 



