We were close to the dense thorns, and the rhinoceroses broke into a trot; they were done! "Now, Taher, for-r-a-a-r-r-d! for-r-r-a-a-r-d, Taher!!" Away he went.

He was close to the very heels of the beasts, but his horse could do no more than his present pace; still he gained upon the nearest.

He leaned forward with his sword raised for the blow.

Another moment and the jungle would be reached! One effort more, and the sword flashed in the sunshine, as the rear-most rhinoceros disappeared in the thick screen of thorns, with a gash about a foot long upon his hind-quarters.

Taher Sherrif shook his bloody sword in triumph above his head, but the rhinoceros was gone.