They then proceeded with their reconnoitring, and chose a spot on which to erect the indicating-post. They also noticed other eminences to the north-west which would be of use in constructing a subsequent triangle. Their work ended, Sir John turned to the bushman, saying, "When you like, Mokoum." "I am at your orders, Sir John: the rhinoceros is still waiting." "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." 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. "A crown to me," said Mokoum. "Will you stake it again?" asked Sir John, "double or quits." "By all means," said Mokoum. This time Sir John, who had begun to get angry, regained his composure, and aimed at the animal's forehead. The ball rebounded, as if it had struck a metal plate. "Half-a-sovereign," said the bushman calmly. "Yes, and another," cried Sir John, exasperated.