, and was slowly levelled. It was one of our
large-bore single-barrelled rifles.

He lay in this position for at least two minutes, which seemed to me a
quarter of an hour, so eager was I to see the creature fall. Suddenly I
heard a sharp snap or crack. The bull heard it too, for it raised its
huge head with a start. The cap of Peterkin's rifle had snapped, and I
saw by his motions that he was endeavouring, with as little motion as
possible, to replace it with another. But the bull caught sight of him,
and uttering a terrific roar charged in an instant.

It is all very well for those who dwell at home in security to think
they know what the charge of an infuriated buffalo bull is. Did they
see it in reality, as I saw it at that time, tearing madly over the
grass, foaming at the mouth, flashing at the eyes, tossing its tail, and
bellowing hideously, they would have a very different idea from what
they now have of the trials to which hunters' nerves are frequently
exposed.

Peterkin had not time to cap. He leaped up, turned round, and ran for
the woods at the top of his speed; but the bull was upon him in an
instant. Almost before I had time to realise what was occurring, I
beheld my companion tossed high into the air. He turned a distinct
somersault, and fell with a fearful crash into the centre of a small
bush. I cannot recall my thoughts on witnessing this. I remember only
experiencing a sharp pang of horror and feeling that Peterkin must
certainly have been killed. But whatever my thoughts were they must
have been rapid, for the time allowed me was short, as the bull turned
sharp round after tossing Peterkin and rushed again towards the bush,
evidently with the intention of completing the work of destruction.

Once again I experienced that strange and sudden change of feeling to
which I have before referred. I felt a bounding sensation in my breast
which tingled to my finger-ends. At the same time my head became clear
and cool. I felt that Providence had placed the life of my friend in my
hands. Darting forward in advance of the bush, I awaited the charge of
the infuriated animal. On it came. I knew that I was not a
sufficiently good shot to make sure of hitting it in the brain. I
therefore allowed it to come within a yard of me, and then sprang
lightly to one side. As it flew past, I never thought of taking aim or
putting the piece to my shoulder, but I thrust the muzzle against its
side and p