Page 122 - Adventures in Africa

ceros. Instead of advancing it stood whisking its
trunk about and trumpeting. The rhinoccros, on the

contrary, after regarding it for a moment, rushed
fearlessly forward and drove its sharp-pointed horns
into its body while It in vain attempted to defend
itself with its trunk. The two creatures were now

locked together in a way which made it seem im­
possible for them to separate* unless the horns of the

rhinoceros were broken off, Never did I witness a
more furious fight. The elephant attempted to throw
itself down on the head of its antagonist, and thereby
only drove the horns deeper into its own body. So

interested was I, that I forgot the pain I was suffer­
ing, while I could hear no other sounds than those

produced by the two huge combatants. While I was
watching them, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and
saw Harry standing over me.
** I am sorry you have met with this accident I’3 he

exclaimed. “ The sooner you get away from this the
better. There is a safer spot a little higher up the

bank, Toko and I will carry you there.”
I willingly consenting, my friends did as they pro­
posed, as from thence I could watch the fight with
greater security. They, having placed me in safety,

hurried towards the combatants, hoping to kill both
of them before they separated.

The elephant, already wounded, appeared likely to
succumb without our further interference. There was
indeed little chance of its attempting to defend itself
against them. Toko, making a sign to Harry to

remain where he was, sprang forward until he got
close up to the animals, and firing he sent a bullet