RHINOCEROS. 
419 
In the mean time I pointed out to my hunters 
the different posts they were to occupy. They re- 
paired to them by circuitous ways, each accompa- 
nied by two men. As for me,, I remained on the 
spot where I was, with two Hottentots, one of whom 
held my horse, and the other my dogs ; but, to 
avoid being seen, we posted ourselves behind a 
bush. 
In my hand I held a glass, which had often ena- 
bled me to see the operation of stage machinery, 
and the effect of our theatrical decorations. How 
changed the scene ! At this moment it brought be- 
fore me two hideous monsters, which at times turned 
towards me their frightful heads. Their movements, 
which indicated fear and observation, soon became 
more frequent, and I was apprehensive they had 
heard the agitation of my dogs, who, having dis- 
covered them, made efforts to escape from the keeper, 
and rush upon them. 
Jonker still kept slowly advancing, but with his eyes 
fixed on the two animals. If he saw them turn their 
heads, he stopped and remained motionless. One 
would have taken him for a large stone ; and indeed, 
in this respect, I myself was deceived. 
He continued creeping, with various interrup- 
tions, for more than an hour. At length I saw him 
proceed towards a large bush of euphorbia, which 
was only two hundred paces from the animals. 
Being certain, when he reached it, that he could 
conceal himself there without being seen, he rose 
up ; and, casting his eyes every where around, to 
see whether his comrades had arrived at their posts, 
he made preparations for firing. 
During the time he was creeping along, I had 
followed him with my eye ,* and, in proportion as 
he advanced, I felt my heart beat with an involun- 
tary palpitation. This palpitation, however, in- 
creased, when I saw him so near the animals, and 
