I h i
c h a p . x i v ] A HORSE! MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE. 361
Never was there better ground for the finish of a
race; the earth was sandy, hut firm, and as we saw
the winning post in the jungle that must terminate
the hunt, we redoubled our exertions to close with
the unflagging game. Suleiman’s horse gave in—we
had been for about twenty minutes at a killing pace.-
Tdtel, although not a fast horse, was good for a distance,
and he now proved his power of endurance, as
I was riding at least two stone heavier than any of
the party. Only four of the seven remained ; and we
swept down the incline, Taher Sheriff still leading,
and Abou Do the last! His horse was done, but
not the rider; for, springing to the ground while at
full speed, sword in hand, he forsook his tired horse,
and, preferring his own legs, he ran like an antelope,
and, for the first hundred yards I thought he would
really pass us, and win the honour of first blow. It
was of no use, the pace was too severe, and, although
running wonderfully, he was obliged to give way to
the horses. Only three now followed the rhinoceros—
Taher Sheriff, his brother Eodur, and myself. I had
been obliged to give the second place to Eodur, as he
was a mere monkey in weight; but I was a close
third. The excitement was intense—we neared the
jungle, and the rhinoceros began to show signs of
flagging, as the dust puffed up before their nostrils,
and, with noses close to the ground, they snorted as
they still galloped on. Oh for a fresh horse! “ A
horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!” We
were within two hundred yards of the jungle; but
• iisl
ill
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