TRAGIC DEATH

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6545, 18 November 1924, Page 5

TRAGIC DEATH

GORED BY RHINOCEROS Mr Gideon Borup, a Canadian hunter, whose life has been filled with a variety of thrilling adventures whilst hunting wild animals, decided as a final effort to add a rhinoceros to his bag. He has killed lions in Africa, jaguars in South America, elephants in Siam, and tigers in Bengal. But he yet lacked the rhinoceros, and decided to visit India a second time and pr ocure as fine a specimen as possible. Having secured an introduction to Mr Sakya, a wealthy descendant of a long line of Rajahs, Mr Borup journeyed to his bungalow, and was hospitably received. Whilst there he be-' came enamoured of the daughter of Mr Sakya, a. very beautiful and accomplished girl, who returned his affection. It was’ decided that they should be married as soon as the coveted rhinoceros had been secured. To this end Mr Sakya arranged a hunting party, which consisted of himself, Mr Borup, and two Indian guides. The party pushed out to the banks of one of the big rivers, where they came upon the tracks of a very big Rhinoceros evidently searching for food. Mr Sakya started off in pursuit, and had managed to head off the rhino when his horse unfortunately stumbled and threw him to the ground. The rhino turned upon him savagely and impaled him on its horn, making off for the bush with his body still impaled.

Seeing the imminent danger to his friend and host Mr Borup, oblivious of the danger to himself galloped his horse alongside the now infuriated beast and managed with his revolver to shoot it in a vulnerable spot behind the ear. ’

Mr Sakya, however, was found to be mortally woUnded, and expired in a very few minutes after being rescued. A rough litter was hastily constructed, and the body was carried to the bungalow from which the party had set forth so full of assurance in the morning. To Mr Borup fell the task of breaking the sad news to his fiancee, and she was so grieved at the loss of her father *that she refused to marry Mr Borup, whom she held primarily responsible for the sad end to the expedition, although, of • course, \he could in no way have averted .the tragedy which had taken place. Entreaty, and explanations were alike in vain, and Miss Sakya persisted in her determination to consider the engagement at an end. j

Mr Borup finally accepted her refusal, returned to Canda, retired to the hills, and intends spending the remainder of his life on a little farm, alone and unattended.