A Fearful Sight
On the bank not far away were at least fifteen large alligators, their
hideous jaws partly open as they basked in the hot sun. Frequently one
would plunge into the water to cool itself, and then there would be a
terrific splashing about.
As soon as possible, the Indians stopped the boats, and the explorers
viewed the creatures with a terrible awe. Here was their first
encounter with the wild life of Brazil. Here, not far away, were some
of the most terrible reptiles of South America.
For some time the alligators did not seem to notice the human
invaders. Then they one by one crawled off the bank and sank a few
inches beneath the water.
"Evidently don't care for our company," said Joe in a low tone. He had
brought the movie camera to his shoulder and was taking in the
unusual sight.
It was thought best not shoot any of the reptiles for fear of causing
an undue commotion. Then, too, it would prove difficult to get the
victims in the boat with so many others around.
In a short time no traces of the creatures were left, and the Indians
again turned to the paddles.
"Is it safe to go on?" asked Joe.
"Yes," the professor replied. "They probably won't attack the boats.
And if they should they could do little or no damage to the stout
hulls."
For a few seconds he conversed with the Indians. Then the party
resumed the journey, keeping a close watch about.
No more was seen of the alligators, and the explorers again were
quiet. But now they were more anxious than ever before, for the past
experience had stirred their sporting blood and made them long for a
jaunt in the forest. Even Professor Bigelow was affected, and he sat
fingering his rifle as if awaiting another such incident.
"Alligators and crocodiles are very much alike," said Mr. Lewis,
wishing to break the silence. "The only difference is in the canine
teeth. In the alligator they fit into pits in the upper jaw; in the
crocodile they fit into notches. Otherwise they look alike."
"Which is the most ferocious?" inquired Joe, thoroughly interested.
"Scarcely any difference," his father returned. "Both are bad enough
when they're after you."
For a time the adventurers paddled near the center of the river, in
order to avoid heavy piles of brush that lay near the shore's edge.
They did not feel like talking. The mid-afternoon sun beat down upon
them until they were dripping with perspiration. Why, even summer
Florida weather was nothing to this!
The water glistened like silver. It was almost impossible even to cast
eyes upon it, for the reflection of the sun was extremely blinding.
For entertainment and amusement the boys' fathers and Professor
Bigelow related some of their experiences, which Bob and Joe never
grew tired of hearing. The naturalists told of encounters with wild
animals; the professor, of savage people. Bob and Joe sat in silence,
marveling that before long they could tell of happenings probably as
much or more breath-taking.
Suddenly, as they neared a patch of bright red bushes, Mr. Holton
called to the Indians to stop the boat.
"What is it?" asked Bob, and then his gaze followed that of his
father.
Not far away on a low branch was a large oriole, almost the size of a
crow, with a red and white bill, and yellow, green, and brown plumage.
It uttered not a word, although no one doubted that it could.
"We must have that bird," whispered Mr. Holton. "It is rather rare,
and few of them are in museums. Keep quiet now, while I get a small
gun."
The others obeyed. The naturalist found a suitable shotgun. He raised
it to his shoulder, took careful aim, and pulled the trigger.
The next moment there was a terrible screeching and wailing. The bird
fluttered about for a brief second, then fell into the water.
"You got him," said Bob joyously. "You----Well, of all things!"
The reason for his exclamation was not far to seek. No sooner had the
bird struck the water than a rather small fish darted to the surface,
caught the bird by the breast, and bit it in two. It evidently did
not like the taste, however, for the remains of the bird's body were
left to float on the water.
"Stung!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, regaining his breath. "The piranhas
spoiled the chance of getting that specimen."
"So that fish was a piranha?" asked Joe, looking to see if he could
locate it in the dark water.
"Yes," Mr. Lewis returned. "They're mean creatures, all right. Got a
temper like a bull. They'll attack anything from jaguars to people,
and they usually do the job right. I once heard of a man devoured by
them in a very short time."
"It wasn't very large," said Bob. "Looked about like a pickerel to
me."
"It isn't their size," his father returned. "It's their ferocity--and
strong, sharp teeth."
"Let's don't worry about the bird," consoled the professor. "We'll
probably see more of them later on."
The naturalists resolved to follow the professor's advice and regard
the matter as one of the many discouragements that could be expected
at almost any time.
"After all, we didn't lose much," said Mr. Lewis. "But then--but
then----"
As they paddled on, signs of life became more frequent. Once there was
a small flock of bright red birds, and the naturalists had more luck
in bringing them in as specimens. None was shot near the river; only
those on shore were aimed at. A little later they saw the first
monkeys since they had turned down this river. They had often heard
the little creatures in the depths of the jungle, but had never been
successful in getting a glimpse of them.
Along toward evening Mr. Lewis suggested that they go ashore and pitch
camp for the night. His friends agreed, and after making sure that the
Indians were willing, he gave the word and the boats were turned into
a little cove, where they were tied to a stout tree.
"Plenty of room around here," observed Bob, as he got out and
stretched his legs. "No trees within a radius of several score feet.
Ought to be fairly good protection against night marauders."
The tents and poles were untied, and after locating a suitable site
the stakes were driven to the ground, the poles hoisted, and the
hammocks hung.
Then a bountiful supper was prepared, and the party ate hungrily. Bob
and Joe especially partook of large quantities, for their appetites
were those of youth.
After the meal the explorers sat in a group, chatting merrily. Even
the Indians took part in the conversation, answering many of the
whites' questions about the jungles they were passing through. Bob and
Joe had trouble in understanding them, but their fathers translated
whenever there was any difficulty.
A little later, darkness fell suddenly, and with it came the chill of
night.
"Seems strange that the nights should be so cool when the days are so
hot," remarked Bob, going into the tent for a coat.
"Does at that," said Mr. Lewis. "But it's true of all tropical
places."
Soon the sky became dotted with countless numbers of twinkling stars.
Soon afterwards the moon came out in full splendor, flooding the
boundless expanse with enchanting light, and casting a reflection on
the water beautiful beyond description.
The explorers were filled with awe as they sat staring into the vast
jungle, thrilled that they were the only inhabitants on this wild
shore.
For some time no one spoke. Then Mr. Holton rose and looked at his
watch.
"Getting late," he said, walking over to a box of supplies.
"Yes," agreed Professor Bigelow. "I suggest that we turn in."
The others agreed, and they attended to last-minute tasks.
"Ordinarily it is the Indians' duty to stand guard," said Mr. Lewis,
glancing at the brawny crew, several of whom had fallen asleep. "But
since they've worked hard and unflinchingly, and are nearly worn out,
I suggest that we whites take turn about on this first night. We've
had it comparatively easy all day. Then, too, it will increase their
respect and liking for us. What do you think?"
"I'm all for it," declared Professor Bigelow. "Now who is to have the
first watch?"
It was decided to draw straws, the person getting the shortest to be
the first guard.
By chance the short piece fell to Bob, and he took his place just
outside the tents, sitting on one of the boxes, a rifle in ready
grasp. The others retired to their hammocks.
For over a half-hour Bob stared quietly into space, glancing
occasionally at the sparkling river. Then he decided to change his
position.
But at that moment there came a crashing sound on the far side of a
group of palm trees.
The youth was on his feet at the instant, wondering what the noise
meant. Then he decided to find out.
"It's only a short distance from camp," he thought. "There's no harm
in going over there."
Grasping his rifle, he stole quietly in the direction of the strange
commotion.
It did not take him long to reach the patch of trees. Then he wormed
his way through the tall grass for a distance of perhaps twenty feet.
The next instant he shrank back, for the sight that met his eyes was
fearful and repulsive.