"Well, let us go down, a ball from my rifle will soon settle matters."
"A ball!" cried Mokoum; "you don't know a rhinoceros. He won't fall with one ball, however well it may be aimed."
"Nonsense!" began Sir John, "that is because people don't use conical shot."
"Conical or round," rejoined the bushman, "the first will not bring down such an animal as that."
"Well," said Sir John, carried away by his self-confidence, "as you have your doubts, I will show you what our European weapons can do."
And he loaded his rifle, to be ready to take aim as soon as he should be at a convenient distance.
"One moment, Sir John," said the bushman, rather piqued, "will you bet with me?"
"Certainly," said Sir John.
"I am only a poor man," continued Mokoum, "but I will willingly bet you half-a-crown against your first ball."
"Done!" replied Sir John instantly. "Half-a-crown to you if the rhinoceros doesn't fall to my first shot."