420 RHINOCEROS. 
just upon the point of firing at one of them. What 
would 1 not have given at that moment to have 
been in the place of Jonker, or at least by his side, 
that I might have brought down also one of these 
savage monsters? I waited with the utmost impa- 
tience for the report of the gun, and I could not 
conceive what prevented him from firing ; but the 
Hottentot who stood near me, and who was able by the 
bare sight to distinguish him as perfectly as I could 
with my glass, informed me of his design. He told 
me, that Jonker did not fire, because lie was wait- 
ing till one of the rhinoceroses should turn round, 
that lie might, if possible, take aim at its head ; and 
that on the first motion they made, I should hear the 
report. 
Presently the largest of the two having looked 
behind, was immediately fired at. Being wounded, 
he sent forth a horrid cry ; and, followed by the 
female, ran furiously towards the place from which 
the noise had proceeded. I found my heart now 
agitated by the most violent emotion, and my fear 
was carried to its utmost extent. A cold sweat 
diffused itself over my whole body ; and my heart 
beat with such force, as to prevent me from breath- 
ing. I expected to see the two monsters tear up 
the bush, tread the unfortunate Jonker under their 
feet, and rend him to pieces ; but he had thrown 
himself down with his belly on the ground ; and this 
stratagem succeeded. They passed close by his 
side without perceiving him, and came straight to- 
wards me. 
My fear now gave place to joy, and I prepared 
to receive them ; but my dogs, animated by the re- 
port they had hefard, became so restless on their ap- 
proach, that, being unable to check them, I ordered 
them to be let loose, and encouraged them to the 
attack. 
When the animals saw this, 4h@y instantly turned 
