he life of
their young chief. I too dreaded lest he should be thrown off, when the
animal would too probably turn round upon him, and, before assistance
could arrive, might transfix him with its terrible horn. I was also
afraid to fire, lest I might wound the young man. His companions
followed, shrieking and shouting as fast as they could. Natty and I
followed after, but could not make way through the thick and tangled
underwood so rapidly as the blacks. We were therefore left behind.
Presently the rhinoceros turned, and came tearing towards us, forcing
its way through the underwood. Still the black kept his seat, when the
rhinoceros, swerving on one side, passed under the bough of a tree, and
in the same manner that he had lost his spear he himself was hurled to
the ground. He attempted to rise, but his ankle had apparently been
sprained, and before he had gone many paces down he fell. The enraged
creature seemed aware that it had got rid of its rider. It stopped, and
eyeing him with a savage glance, rushed towards him with its horn
pointed at his body. Now, I felt, was the time for me to fire, or the
young man would certainly be killed. I had, providentially, a rest for
my gun, and pulling the trigger, my bullet hit the rhinoceros directly
behind the ear. The impetus it had gained sent it on several paces. A
loud shriek rent the air; but just before it reached the young chief
over it fell, and lay perfectly still. We ran forward to help up our
young friend. He glanced up in my countenance with a look which showed
that he was grateful for the service I had rendered him. He then took
my hand and pressed it to his lips. In a few minutes the rest of the
hunters came up, when he addressed them, and, I concluded, was telling
them what I had done. I certainly never fired a shot with so much
satisfaction. The men came round Natty and I, their whole demeanour
completely changed, evidently looking upon us as heroes worthy of
renown, while some begged to examine the wonderful weapon which had done
the deed.

As soon as the hunters had cut up the rhinoceros, we returned in triumph
to the village. The chief showed that he appreciated the service I had
rendered him in saving the life of his son by warmly embracing us--a
ceremony, by-the-by, with which we would gladly have dispensed. We were
now, instead of being looked upon as prisoners at large, treated with
every consideration; and when I signified that the o