g victims of the chase, that were piled one
upon another, until hundreds escaped by passing over the backs of those
that had preceded them.

When the overflowing of the pit had passed off, and the hunters came up
to gaze on what remained, they beheld a scene never to be forgotten in
life. Underneath, they could hear the roaring of a lion, being
smothered by its favourite game. For the first time, it had too many
antelopes within its reach. There was one creature in the crowd that
was not to be overlain by the others. It was the muchocho, or white
rhinoceros, they had seen while driving in the game. Every time it
moved, bodies were crushed, bones broken, and the cries of rage and
distress from what seemed a miniature representation of a perdition for
animals became imperceptibly diminished by several voices. The muchocho
was apparently standing on its hind legs in the bottom of the pit, while
the upper part of its body was supported by the creatures that were
screaming under its immense weight.

Mingled with the struggling mass were seen some of the camelopards; and,
fearing they might be subjected to the destroying power of the huge
rhinoceros, Willem placed the muzzle of his roer near one of its eyes,
and fired.

The report of the gun was scarcely heard, so stunning to the ears of all
was the fracas that continued; though the effect of the discharge was
soon evident on the muchocho. It ceased to live.

All hands now set to work at clearing the pit, in order to save the
young giraffes from being killed; that is, if they were yet living.
Rheims with loops at the ends were thrown over the heads of the
antelopes and other small game, by which they could be hauled out.

After a short time spent at this work, a partial clearance was effected.
The body of a young giraffe was now carefully got out. It was examined
with an interest verging on delirium. It was quite warm, but lifeless,
its neck being broken.

One of the old ones,--a large bull,--struggling violently, was now the
most conspicuous animal in the pit, and being, as Hendrik said, "too
much alive," was killed by a bullet.

The head and neck of another young giraffe was seen, whose body was
nearly buried under animals larger than itself. It was apparently
unharmed. Every care was taken to get it out without injury, and it was
drawn gently up and two rheims placed around its neck, in order to
hinder it from running away. It was not more than two mont