The savages on the raft, which had already got some way out into the
lake, saluted us with showers of arrows; but, happily, we were too far
off for them to reach us. Already our arms ached with our long paddle,
but it was no time to rest. We knew not whether, vindictive as they
appeared, they would attempt to pursue us, or whether others might not
have gone further down along the margin of the lake, with the hope of
even yet intercepting us at the narrow part which we saw. Evening was
approaching, and the difficulties of the navigation, should the night
prove dark, would be greater.
"I see some objects on the left bank," cried Natty. "Never fear, we
will slip by them," said Jack. "To my eyes they have got four legs, and
will not hurt us."
We speedily neared the point where the lake-like expanse narrowed into
the proportions of a river. The creatures seen by Natty were now
discovered to be a herd of zebras, which had come down to the river's
bank to drink. They gazed at us as we passed with a look of
astonishment; but, though they kept moving here and there, as if asking
each other what we could be, they did not take to flight, but continued
scampering round and round as horses do in a field, stopping every now
and then to take another look at us. They quickly, however, returned to
the water, for they probably knew that unless they made haste they would
be interrupted by some of their remorseless foes--lions, panthers, or
hyenas--which might come down to the same spot to quench their thirst
before setting forth on their nightly rambles in search of prey. They
were beautiful and graceful creatures, very unlike the poor patient ass
with which we are acquainted in England, and accustomed to associate
with everything that is stupid and obstinate. Yet the zebra and the ass
are nearly related; indeed, the former is classed by naturalists as an
ass. I shall have more to say about them by-and-by.
Evening was rapidly drawing to a close. Still, although the alarm which
the zebras had caused us when first indistinctly seen had subsided, we
thought it possible that some of our savage foes might still be on the
watch for us further down the stream, or, should we land and rest, that
they might overtake us before we again got under weigh. "It's wisest,
according to my notions, to keep well ahead of an enemy if you have to
run from him, and as close as you can to his heels if you have to chase
him, till he hauls down his flag!" exclaimed Jack, vigorously plying his
paddle. "What do you say, Mr Crawford?"
I heartily agreed with him. The thought of what would be the fate of my
young relatives would have nerved my arm for even greater exertions than
we were called on to make. We still, therefore, continued paddling, in
spite of our fatigue, with might and main, anxious to put as many
leagues as possible between ourselves and our enemies before we stopped.
The sun set in a glorious glow of ruddy light on our right, shedding a
hue over the tops of some lofty hills which appeared on the opposite
bank. The stream increased in rapidity; but still, as far as we could
see, was free from danger. There was yet sufficient light from the sky,
though it could not be called twilight, to enable us to continue our
course.
"If the navigation is as open as at present, we will continue on for
another hour," shouted Stanley. "We shall then be safe from the
savages, and may have a quiet rest, I hope, after our day's work."
"Ay, ay, sir," answered Jack from our canoe. "We have not worn our arms
off yet; though, if you don't mind stopping, maybe the ladies would like
a bit of pigeon and a bite of plantain."
"Oh, no, no," exclaimed Kate. "Do not stop for our sakes, if you are
not tired. We feel no hunger, and would rather not delay a moment till
you think it safe."
We accordingly paddled on. By degrees the glow faded from the sky, and
darkness settled down over the landscape. Still Stanley continued
leading. Presently I saw on our left a silvery arch rising over the
hills. It increased rapidly, and soon the full moon rose in the sky,
shedding its light over the waters.
"We do not get sight of such a moon as that in old England," cried out
Leo from the other canoe. "It is often there more like a patch of red
putty stuck on to a wall; but see! this looks like a mighty globe of
pure fire floating in the heavens." So indeed it did.
"Do not be disparaging our good old English moons," cried out Natty.
"You forget the harvest moon; and, though it is not quite like this, it
is a very beautiful object to gaze at, and useful to those who have to
carry home the full-loaded waggons of corn."
Our spirits were rising as we felt we were escaping from the danger we
had encountered. I hoped, too, our hearts were grateful. The bright
light of the moon now enabled us to proceed with almost as much ease as
during the day. As we sped on, however, we saw numerous animals on the
banks coming down to drink; but we passed them too rapidly to ascertain
what they were. I think we must have continued paddling on two hours
longer, rather than one. Stanley seemed unwilling, so long as we could
move our arms, to stop; indeed, the cool air of night renewed our
strength; and, for my part, I felt that I could have gone on till
daylight, if necessary, for the sake of securing the safety of the young
girls depending on us for protection.
At length the ground on our right rose considerably above the plain. "I
think I see an island ahead," cried Stanley. "If so, it may suit us for
a bivouac, and may be more secure than the mainland." As we went on we
found that he was right. The island appeared to be about four or five
hundred yards in circumference, with numerous trees growing on it, which
would afford us the means of forming huts, and give us wood for our
fires besides. Fortunately, we had no need of provisions, as we had an
abundance in the canoes. We took the passage on the west side, and,
going to the further end of the island, found a small bay, into which we
steered the canoes.
"We must act the part of invaders and drive out any previous occupants,"
observed Stanley as he stepped on shore. "Kate and Bella and the two
boys, with the wounded black and his sons, must remain in the canoes
till we can find a safe place for encamping. David will stay behind for
your protection. Now, my friends, we will advance into the interior."
At the word we all stepped on shore. There was a small extent of open
ground extending a few yards from the water's edge. This would, at all
events, afford us space for our encampment. Had it been a dark night,
we should have run a considerable risk if any savage animals existed on
the island; but during moonlight neither lions nor panthers will assail
a man, unless hard-pressed by hunger. We had our axes in our belts, and
were thus able to clear our way over the rocky ground among the
underwood and trees, mostly growing wide apart. As we advanced, we
shouted to each other, now one now another firing his gun and stopping
to reload. Suddenly a loud splash told us that some animal had leaped
into the water. Now another was heard, and in a short time we reached
the northern end of the island, having completely passed over it. We
were satisfied that whatever creatures had been there had taken their
departure, and we now returned to prepare for our encampment. In the
meantime, we found that David and the boys had been landing the
provisions. We had all become pretty expert in cutting down trees; and,
as many of those in our neighbourhood were small, we soon had a
sufficient number to make a small hut for Kate and Bella. This was
erected with a rapidity which would have astonished people at home. As
there was no fear of rain, we were not very particular as to the roof;
and the abundance of vines enabled us quickly to weave a network round
it, through which no panther, nor even a lion, could force its way.
Less substantial structures were erected for the rest of the party. The
boys were busy in collecting dry wood for the fires; and in scarcely
more than half an hour we had formed a village which might have served
us for many weeks if necessary, provided the weather remained dry. The
two young blacks had, in the meantime, under the superintendence of
Kate, been preparing our supper. She insisted that she was in no degree
tired, and would not be idle. Igubo sat up, with his back supported
against a bale, giving directions to his sons. A number of birds were
forthwith roasting before the fire, while an ample supply of plantains
were being baked on the ashes. Our cookery was of necessity somewhat
rough, but we were grateful to those who prepared our food, and I could
not help fancying it tasted better done by their hands. A sufficient
amount of wood had been collected to keep up four good fires during the
night One was placed on the river side, to scare any animals which might
approach from the water; one at either end of the camp; and one on the
forest side, though we hoped that we had driven off all enemies from our
island. As soon as supper was over, Stanley recommended all hands to
retire to rest.
"But, massa," said Timbo, "we escape great danger; sure we t'ank Him who
preserved us."
"Indeed we ought to do so," said Kate; "and we are thankful to you,
Timbo, for reminding us."
"I am sure my father would," I heard Natty say to Leo.
Stanley took a pace or two up and down, and then turning to Timbo, said,
"You are right, old friend; but it would be somewhat out of my way, I am
sorry to say. David, I must ask you to take the lead."
The young doctor, though full of talent, felt, I saw, a diffidence under
the circumstances; but, mustering courage, he undertook to lead us in
prayer; and with expressions which came, I am sure, from his heart, he
returned thanks to the God of mercy for our preservation from the great
dangers we had passed, and implored protection for the future. I heard
Natty, who was kneeling near me, repeat his words with deep earnestness;
and I was sure also that Kate and little Bella were pouring out their
hearts in prayer. Though Timbo was the only African who could join us,
the others were, I believe, greatly impressed with the scene, which, I
had reason to know, was never forgotten by them.
Chickango and I had been appointed to keep the first watch, while Senhor
Silva and Jack were to relieve us. In a short time the rest of our
party were fast asleep, with the exception of David, who, as soon as his
sisters had entered their hut, drove some stakes round the entrance, so
that even a snake could not find its way in. After pacing up and down
for some time with my gun in my hand, I told Chickango I would try and
make my way to the other side of the island, as a full moon shining down
among the trees enabled me to do without much difficulty. Its beams
shed a silvery light on the water, which flowed calmly by. I soon
reached a spot whence I could see the opposite shore, across a channel
which divided the island from the mainland. As I stood there, I fancied
I saw creatures moving along the banks, then I discovered five or six
elephants approaching the water. They came to the edge, and, dipping in
their trunks, poured the cool liquid down their throats. Presently a
herd of giraffes came with a swinging trot across the ground, their
heads moving about from side to side as they swung forward their long
legs. They appeared, however, rather cautious of approaching till their
more powerful companions had quenched their thirst. Just then, from a
point a little on one side, several smaller animals made their way down
to the bank; and, as they drew nearer, I discovered them to be a male
and female lion, with their whelps. They stood watching the elephants,
now and then uttering a low angry sound, yet never breaking into a roar.
I stood rivetted to the spot, thankful that we had chosen the island
for our encampment; for had we been on the mainland, we must have found
our post untenable. They were, however, not the only visitors to the
water. A huge rhinoceros, which I recognised by the horn on his nose,
advanced with a heavy tread; and several buffaloes, and other animals
which I took to be wild boars, joined the assemblage. The elephants, it
appeared to me, kept the other animals in awe, for all stood at a
distance from each other, slaking their thirst after the burning heat of
the day. Many, probably, had come from a distance to seek for water.
The giraffes were the only ones which continued in motion, they
evidently being unwilling to approach while their savage enemies the
lions were in the neighbourhood. Fortunately for them, I was not
possessed with the instincts of a hunter, or I should probably have shot
one of the lions; the female especially, as she kept looking at the
elephant, with her cubs by her side, offering me a mark which I could
not well have missed; but, in the first place, I should have disturbed
my friends, and then I thought to myself, "Why should I kill one of
these creatures, which are but following their natural instincts? and,
as they are not likely to attack us, no good can be attained."
At length I thought that Chickango would fancy some accident had
happened, and might be induced to leave his post to search for me. I
therefore returned to the camp. I had nearly reached it when I fancied
I heard a sound behind me. I turned round, an indefinite feeling of
horror suddenly seizing me. I called to Chickango: he sprang forward.
At that instant I saw a huge creature creeping along through the
underwood. Chickango was by my side. He raised his gun, and gave a
loud shout. The animal sprang up a tree. He fired, and a large panther
fell to the ground. The rest of the party, starting from their beds,
came hurrying up. The creature was not quite dead, but a blow from the
negro's axe quickly finished it. My friends congratulated me on my
narrow escape; and indeed I was thankful that I had been again
preserved. The creature must have remained on the island. Probably the
moonlight prevented it springing on me at once, as it might easily have
done.
It was some time before quiet was restored to the camp. David hurried
back to assure his sisters that there was no danger; for they had
naturally been alarmed by the shot, and the cries of the party as they
sprang up from their sleep. The adventure made us increase the number
of our fires on that side of the camp; while Stanley, declaring he had
had sleep enough, joined us on the watch. As may be supposed, I felt no
inclination to make another trip about the island by myself, lest a
companion of the animal we had killed might take a fancy to spring upon
me. I must confess I was very glad when Timbo and Senhor Silva came to
relieve me; but nothing could induce Stanley again to lie down.
No sooner had I placed my head upon the bale of goods which served me as
a pillow, than I was fast asleep. I was aroused by Natty's voice--
"Oh see, Mr Crawford!--it is worth looking at. The sun has just
risen."
I sprang to my feet, and found all the camp already up. The sun at that
instant was showing its upper edge above the mountains, looking like an
arch of fire, tinting the distant mountains with a soft tinge of the
same hue, and casting a ruddy glow over the broad stream which flowed at
our feet; while the whole sky was covered with a rich orange glow,
deepening towards the horizon into the brightest vermilion.
"We will lose no time in proceeding on our voyage," said Stanley; "so
the sooner we can get through our breakfast the better."
As the fire was ready, the water was soon boiling, and we contented
ourselves with the cold meat and plantain which had been cooked on the
previous night. The canoes were immediately reladen; and quickly
embarking, we once more commenced our voyage down the stream. As we
opened the wider part, we looked northward along the banks, but could
discover no signs of our enemies; and we hoped, therefore, that we had
completely distanced them. The number of animals which we saw on the
banks showed us that we were not likely to meet with many inhabitants.
This was satisfactory, as we could not tell how they might be disposed
towards us. Although the heat was great, our spirits felt lighter in
the belief that we should meet with no enemies: and we continued
paddling along, Chico standing as before in the bows of the canoe; the
boys, as usual, joking with each other; while Jack every now and then
burst into one of his sea-songs, an entertainment with which he had not
indulged us since we were engaged in building the canoes. The
_Giraffe_, as before, took the lead. We paddled more leisurely than on
the previous day, as we should soon have worn ourselves out had we
continued the exertion we had then gone through. Thus, in spite of the
heat, we were able to continue on for some hours.
We landed at noon on the western bank, where a group of trees afforded
us shade, which we greatly needed; indeed, the heat of the sun had
become so great that we could scarcely have continued longer exposed to
its rays. We as before beat the bushes in the neighbourhood to
ascertain that no animal lurked among them, and then lighted a fire to
cook our dinner. As may be supposed, the birds that had been killed on
the previous morning were no longer fit for English palates; but our
black friends, without ceremony, consumed them. We had therefore to
wait until we had killed some fresh game.
Stanley, Senhor Silva, Timbo, and I took up our guns to proceed inland.
The scenery on the banks was very beautiful, the trees not growing in
dense masses, but scattered in groups, like those in a gentleman's park
in England. Beautiful flowers covered the open spaces. Among some of
the groups of trees we observed the orchilla weed hanging from the
branches. This is one of the exports of Africa, and is used as a dye
stuff. There was a beautiful little shrub which Chickango called the
_mullah_. It bore a yellow fruit. He gathered several--which he said
were good to eat--and we found them full of seeds, like a custard-apple,
with a sweet taste. A larger tree was covered with white blossoms,
their fragrance reminding me of the hawthorn at home; but the flowers of
these were as large as dog-roses and the fruit the size of big marbles.
Chickango pointed to the flowers; not so much to admire them, as because
numerous bees were sucking their sweets. "Dere! dere!"--and he pointed
out several hollows in the neighbouring trees. "Me come back, and get
for eat," he said. From another shrub--which our companion called the
_mogametsa_--he picked a quantity of fruit, which had the appearance of
a bean with pulp round it.
"Why," cried Leo, as he tasted the _mogametsa_, "it is just like
sponge-cake--capital stuff! We must take a quantity to the camp."
Another very nice fruit was the _maioa_, which grew abundantly on low
bushes. Indeed, we found a number of edible bulbs and bushes. Among
them I must not forget to mention the _mamosho_ and _milo_. The latter
is a sort of medlar, which all hands pronounced delicious. Indeed,
there was no fear of our starving in this region. There were great
numbers of birds also; but I will describe them by-and-by.
Troops of animals passed us, among which the giraffe was conspicuous.
We were just emerging from the wood, when we saw a single giraffe
following a large herd at a distance, having from some cause been
separated from his companions. On he went, swinging his tall head from
side to side to keep time with the motion of his legs, which put me in
mind of the way spiders move. He was passing a clump of trees, when a
terrific roar reached our ears. The poor animal attempted to increase
his pace; but before he could do so, a huge lion sprang from a thicket,
and with one bound alighted on the giraffe's back.
"It is too far off for a bullet to reach him," observed Stanley, "or I
would try to rescue the giraffe by killing the lion."
"It would be useless, for I suspect the giraffe's fate is sealed," said
Senhor Silva. "The grip with which the lion seized his neck is
sufficient to end his days. In spite of the giraffe's strength, the
king of the forest will soon have him down."
The giraffe continued his course, going away from us, so that our chance
of shooting the lion decreased. Still we pushed on, hoping that the
terrified animal might turn, and bring his murderer closer to us. On he
went, however, uttering cries of terror, the rest of the herd scampering
off at full speed, which soon carried them away from their unfortunate
companion. The life-blood was flowing fast from the giraffe's neck; but
he struggled on in spite of the immense weight of the creature on his
back and the agony he must have been suffering. In vain he reared up--
in vain he struggled. Presently we saw him sink to the ground, when the
savage beast flew at his neck, and soon finished his sufferings.
"Take care," said Senhor Silva; "we must not approach too near, for if
we attempt to dispute his prey with the lion, it will make him more
savage than ever."
"Our guns will settle that question," answered Stanley, still hurrying
on.
I kept by his side, and the boys followed. Not till we were within
fifty paces did the lion perceive us. He was then standing over his
prey, which he had already begun to rend. Raising his head, with his
claws on the carcase, he eyed us fiercely, sending forth terrific growls
of anger. Still he did not move and Stanley had now an opportunity of
taking steady aim. Still we advanced nearer. The lion perceiving this,
with a roar which even now rings in my ears, gave a bound towards us. I
raised my rifle and fired; but my arm must have trembled, and I confess
I felt little able to take steady aim: the ball only grazed the lion's
head. He was now within a dozen paces of us. Leo and David were
standing a little on one side. Stanley raised his gun. He fired; but,
to my horror, no explosion followed.
"Now! now!" he cried out.
The boys saw what had happened, and both, levelling their pieces, fired.
The lion gave a bound in the air, and fell backward. "Hurrah! hurrah!"
shouted Leo and Natty; "we have killed the lion!"
"No; it was my shot did it," cried Leo.
"It was mine," exclaimed Natty; "I am sure."
"You both had the honour," exclaimed Stanley, as he knelt over the
monster's head. "Here are two shot holes, and either would have killed
him."
As may be supposed, the boys' triumph was very great. Chickango,
however, was better pleased with the giraffe.
"Here meat enough for one week," he exclaimed, as he began to cut away
into the giraffe's flesh.
As we had no prejudice in taking an animal killed immediately before our
eyes, though we might have objected to it had we found it dead, we all
assisted Chickango in cutting up the animal, each of us taking as much
as we could possibly carry.
"You stay here," he said. "Take care no oder lion come. I go call
oders;" and loading himself with twice as much as we could have
attempted to carry, he hurried back to the camp.
The rest of the party soon arrived; and we had now an ample supply of
food for several days, if it would keep so long. Not delaying to kill
any birds, as the rest of the party were waiting for their dinner, we
hurried back to the camp. We found that Timbo had not been idle, and
had caught several fish, which were of good size, and pronounced
wholesome. We found Igubo's sons--the eldest of whom was called Mango
and the other Paulo--creeping along the banks at a little distance down
the river.
"They are after something," observed Jack, "for they have been making a
couple of harpoons; and they seem to know pretty well what they are
about."
Presently we saw a creature which at a distance looked like a young
crocodile leap off the shore into the water. Mango's harpoon was
rapidly darted at it; and he was now seen hauling up the creature, which
was struggling to escape. He and his brother soon despatched it with
blows on the head, and, leaving it on the bank, crept on a little
further. Presently another creature was harpooned in the same way by
Paulo; and they now came back looking highly pleased, and dragging the
reptiles after them. They were about three feet long, with a high ridge
running along their backs, and with hideous heads.
"Bery good eat," exclaimed Chickango when he saw the little monsters.
"What!" cried out Leo; "you do not mean to say you would eat those
hideous creatures?"
"I suspect we shall have no objection to do so," said David. "They are
varanians, a species of water-lizard, very similar to the iguanas of the
New World, which are considered great delicacies. Ugly as they look,
they are perfectly harmless."
The fires were already lighted, and without loss of time young Mango and
Paulo set to work to skin their prizes. Chickango stewed a portion of
them in our big pan. The flesh looked remarkably white and nice. First
I took a piece; David followed; then Leo put in his wooden fork.
"Why, it is capital!" he exclaimed. "Kate, you must have some. Bella,
I am sure you will like it."
In fact, in a short time we were all partaking of the varaniad meat,
which we preferred to that of the giraffe. We had a dessert of great
variety, if not to be compared to some of our English fruits; but we
were very thankful to get such nice and wholesome food. The fruits,
indeed, were particularly cooling and pleasant to the palate.
Chickango, who had disappeared, soon came back with a quantity of honey,
which he had taken from the hollows in the trees we had seen on our
shooting expedition. It was, as may be supposed, a welcome addition to
our repast.
We were still seated at our meal, when a low rumbling noise reached our
ears. It continued for some time, and looking out towards the east,
whence it appeared to come, we saw dark clouds collecting. Presently
vivid flashes of lightning darted forth, and reiterated roars came
pealing through the air. "We must get shelter up immediately," cried
Senhor Silva, "or the young ladies will be wet through; and our goods
may suffer too." The canoes had been well secured to trunks of trees,
though not unladen. We immediately got out the axes, and commenced
cutting down the smaller saplings and straight branches of trees as
rapidly as we could. These we placed on the side of the bank, covering
our rude hut over with large leaves and heavy boughs on the top, which
we secured by rattans to prevent their being blown away. Everything
that could be injured by rain was immediately brought up, leaving room
for the young ladies and poor Igubo in the centre.
"Oh, we can perch ourselves on the top of the baggage," cried Leo.
"There will be room then for all hands inside."
While we were working away the clouds came rushing on over the sky, the
flashes of lightning becoming every instant more vivid and frequent. I
had hitherto seen nothing like it on shore. The most vivid flashes of
forked lightning darted from the clouds, apparently playing round the
summits of the taller trees, and then descending, went zigzagging along
over the ground. Others were seen traversing the river in all
directions. It was a grand but terrific scene. The blacks looked
alarmed, and poor Chico chattered as if he would shake his teeth out,
and clung to Jack's neck for protection. The thunder roared and rattled
louder and louder, till we could scarcely hear each other speak; while
sometimes the whole atmosphere seemed filled with flame. Presently huge
drops began to fall. They came thicker and thicker, till they splashed
down upon the river, throwing up miniature waterspouts all over it. The
roar of the splashing and pattering was quite deafening. The wind, too,
howled through the trees, which threatened to come down upon our heads,
though we had placed our hut as far from them as possible. In a few
minutes the water, which had been perfectly clear, became thick and
muddy, and branches of trees and logs of wood were seen floating down
the stream.
"We should be thankful that we are safe on land," said David. "Will
this last long, Senhor Silva?"
"Sometimes such storms are over in half an hour," was the answer; "but
they may last for a couple of days. Should this do so, we may
congratulate ourselves on having the canoes to escape in, for the river
may speedily swell, and cover the very spot where we are sitting."
This was not satisfactory news; at the same time, it was better to know
of the probability of such an occurrence, that we might be prepared for
it. The river was rising--that was evident--and now flowed down in
waves which would have been almost sufficient to swamp our canoes; while
torrents of water came rushing down the banks, and threatening every
instant to sweep away our hut. Happily we had formed it on a little
elevation on the bank, so that the stream turned on either side, and the
risk was therefore lessened. Fiercer and fiercer raged the storm. The
waters increased rapidly. It seemed as if the very clouds were emptying
themselves upon the earth.
"I hope we are not going to have another deluge," exclaimed Leo.
"Of course not," answered Natty. "Don't you know that one is never to
occur again? To be sure, this river may overflow its banks, but we have
our canoes to get away in if it does."
I was afraid little Bella would be alarmed, but she kept gazing up at
her sister, and seeing her countenance calm and tranquil, sat contented
by her side, without speaking, however. In spite of the rain, I every
now and then put my head out to ascertain that the canoes were safe; for
as the waters rushed down, I was afraid lest the stumps to which they
were fastened might be carried away. So thick was the rain that we
could scarcely see across to the other side. Suddenly, as if by word of
command, it ceased; and though the thunder continued to rattle towards
the west, and flashes still issued from the clouds in the east, all
quickly became serene. The sun burst forth again upon our heads, and
the leaves of the trees and shrubs glittered for a few minutes as if
covered with diamonds, though the sun rapidly dried up the moisture.
The hut had become very hot, and I was just going out of it, when I saw
the head of an animal crawling out from a neighbouring bush. At first I
thought it was some creature, till I saw a long body following. It was
a huge serpent. It came wriggling over the ground directly towards the
hut. "Ondara!" shouted Chickango; "shoot! shoot!" Stanley sprang down
from his seat, and aimed at the monster's head. I did the same. The
creature, after convulsively twisting and turning itself into huge
coils, lay still. We hurried down to examine it. On measuring it, we
found that it was upwards of fifteen feet in length. David examined the
head, and pronounced it to be venomous.
"Yes, indeed," said Senhor Silva. "It is the largest of all venomous
serpents, and if the stories told of it are true, so virulent is the
poison that it causes almost instantaneous death."
We had reason to be thankful that we had escaped the two dangers. As we
were anxious to proceed on our voyage, having now an ample supply of
provisions, we once more embarked. I was afraid, from the thickness of
the water, that we should have difficulty in avoiding any banks in our
course; but it very soon cleared, and we proceeded as before.
As we were paddling along a sudden sickness seized me. Whether it was
from over-exerting myself, or from the heat of the sun, I could not
tell. Still I tried to go on. At length I felt my paddle slip from my
hand. Natty had just time to catch it, and to save me from falling
forward on my face. I was placed in the bottom of the canoe, alongside
poor Igubo, and knew no more.
For days and days I lay in an unconscious state, utterly unable to move
or speak or think.
Some time after this I had a dreamy consciousness of existence, but
often for hours together I knew nothing of what was occurring. I felt
myself now and then lifted out of the canoe. I knew that David was
attending me, and at other times a sweet face bending over me, and fair
hands holding a fan and driving away the flies. Once I heard Natty
whispering, "Oh, he will die! he will die!"
"I pray Heaven he may not," was the answer; "and David thinks he will
get through it. But he is very ill."
Then again I fell off into a dreamy state. Now and then I knew I was on
shore, and once more on the water. I was conscious of the movement of
the canoe, but what was happening round me I could not tell. I heard
shots fired, and then strange voices shouting and shrieking, but I could
not utter a word, nor could I understand what was said to me. After a
time the power of thought came back, and I knew when it was day and when
it was night, and I was able to discover that many days and nights had
passed away. Still I could not ask questions. An awning had been
placed over the stern of the canoe, under which I lay. I remember
seeing Igubo paddling away, as strong as the rest of the party, and
though there was the mark of the wound in his side, it was perfectly
healed. This showed me that a considerable time must have elapsed since
I had been attacked. I discovered also that we were ascending a stream,
but even then I could not speak. Shortly after this I felt myself
lifted up and placed on a sort of palanquin, and carried along over the
ground. I knew that I was remaining for some time, and that my little
cousin Bella was sitting by my side fanning my face, and now and then
moistening my lips, or giving me a slight portion of food. After that,
I was once more lifted into the canoe. The river must have been far
narrower than any we had passed through, for even as I lay in the bottom
of the canoe I could see the trees on either side.
I had a relapse. I knew nothing more till one day I opened my eyes, and
saw my cousin Kate seated near me, and Bella on a low stool at my side,
with a book before her. Kate was working away most assiduously, as was
her wont. Not far off in a corner sat Chico, as busily, though not so
usefully, employed in cracking nuts. We were in a large airy hut,
formed, as far as I could see, very much after the fashion of those we
had before constructed. I was so placed as to be in the shade, and at
the same time to obtain as much air as possible. I heard the voices of
Leo and Natty at a little distance. They were engaged in some work, I
concluded, and were laughing and talking merrily. I tried to speak, and
I must have uttered a sound, for instantly Bella sprang up, and, casting
her bright eyes on me, ran to her sister. "Oh, he is awake, and looks
as if he knew me!" she exclaimed. Kate cautiously approached, and I saw
her looking down upon me with an eye of pity and interest.
"Are you better, Andrew?" she whispered.
"Yes, thank you," I could just utter in a low voice, "much better." I
wanted to say more, but could not.
"Leo! Leo!" she cried out, "call David! he will be so glad to hear that
Andrew has returned to consciousness."