The hunters descended the steep slope, and were soon posted within range of the rhinoceros. The beast was perfectly motionless, and on that account presented an easy aim.
Sir John thought his chance so good, that at the last moment he turned to Mokoum and said,—
"Do you keep to your bargain?"
"Yes," replied the bushman.
The rhinoceros still being as motionless as a target, Sir John could aim wherever he thought the blow would be mortal. He chose the muzzle, and, his pride being roused, he aimed with the utmost care, and fired. The ball failed in reaching the flesh; it had merely shattered to fragments the extremity of one of the horns. The animal did not appear to experience the slightest shock.
"That counts nothing," said the bushman, "you didn't touch the flesh."
"Yes, it counts," replied Sir John, rather vexed; "I have lost my wager. But come now, double or quits?"
"As you please, Sir John, but you will lose."
"We shall see."
The rifle was carefully re-loaded, and Sir John, taking rather a random aim, fired a second time; but meeting the horny skin of the haunch, the ball, notwithstanding its force, fell to the ground. The rhinoceros moved a few steps.