but now, to the delight
of the boys, not gaining upon them. The only thing they had to fear
then was a slip or a stumble, or that in its pertinacious hunt the
rhinoceros would tire their horses down.

"He's gaining on us now," cried Dick suddenly. "Jack, we must separate,
and let him run after one while the other fires at him."

"You couldn't do it, Dick. No, no, let's keep together, and we shall
beat him yet."

"But we mustn't take him down to the camp. Oh, thank goodness, at
last."

"No, no, don't say that, Dick," cried Jack, in agony, as the rhinoceros
suddenly stopped, whisked round, and went straight back upon its trail.
"Let's hunt him now, for he's going straight for father. Don't you
see?"

"Yes," said Dick; and turning their trembling half-blown cobs, they
galloped after the rhinoceros in turn.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

THE TABLES TURNED.

The rhinoceros did not see Mr Rogers at first, but went straight back
upon its own trail, lowering its head from time to time, and literally
ploughing its way through the tangled grass with its horn, which, driven
by the weight behind, scattered the roots and fragments on either side.

The dogs, rejoicing in the change of position, snapped and barked at its
heels; and as the boys galloped on, with their rifles ready and at full
cock, they could note more at their ease the peculiarity of the animal's
make. This was ponderous to a degree, and the great folds of skin at
the shoulders and haunches as they worked while the beast galloped
along, made it look as if the greater part of its body was covered by a
huge shell like that of a tortoise.

But now all at once the monster seemed to have caught sight of Mr
Rogers and the big bay, for it uttered a peculiar hoarse squeal, gave
its little tail a twist, tossed its head as it leaped clumsily from the
ground, and then, lowering its horn, dashed straight at the new enemy
before it.

Upon seeing this change of front Dick leaped from his horse, and Jack
did likewise, the cobs standing perfectly still, with the reins thrown
over their heads to trail upon the ground at their feet. Then going
down upon one knee as the rhinoceros, instead of being tail on, now
presented its side, they took careful aim and fired.

_Crack_! _thud_!

_Crack_! _thud_!

The reports of the two rifles were followed by what seemed to be a dull
echo, telling them plainly enough that their shots had told.

The rhinoceros stopped short a