to a spot where there were a
number of wild vines, the leaves of which are much liked by the gorilla,
so we kept a sharp lookout for tracks.

Soon we came upon several, as well as broken branches and twigs, in
which were observed the marks of teeth, showing that our game had been
there. But we passed from the wood where these signs were discovered,
out upon an open plain of considerable extent. Here we paused,
undecided as to whether we should proceed onward or remain there to
hunt.

"I vote for advancing," said Peterkin, "for I observe that on the other
side of this plain the wood seems very dense, and it is probable that we
may find Mister Gorilla there.--What think you, Mak?"

The guide nodded in reply.

"I move," said Jack, "that as the country just where we stand is well
watered by this little brook, besides being picturesque and beautiful to
look upon, we should encamp where we are, and leaving our men to guard
the camp, cross this plain--we three take Mak along with us, and spend
the remainder of the day in hunting."

"I vote for the amendment," said I.

"Then the amendment carries," cried Jack, "for in all civilised
societies most votes always carry; and although we happen to be in an
uncivilised region of the earth, we must not forget that we are
civilised hunters. The vote of two hunters ought certainly to override
that of one hunter."

Peterkin demurred to this at once, on the ground that it was unfair.

"How so?" said I.

"In the first place," replied he, looking uncommonly wise, and placing
the point of his right finger in the palm of his left hand--"in the
first place, I do not admit your premises, and therefore I object to
your conclusion. I do not admit that in civilised societies most votes
carry; on the contrary, it too frequently happens that, in civilised
societies, motions are made, seconded, discussed, and carried without
being put to the vote at all; often they are carried without being made,
seconded, or discussed--as when a bottle-nosed old gentleman in office
chooses to ignore the rights of men, and carry everything his own way.
Neither do I admit that we three are civilised hunters; for although it
is true that I am, it is well-known that you, Ralph, are a philosopher,
and Jack is a gorilla. Therefore I object to your conclusion that your
two votes should carry; for you cannot but admit that the vote of one
hunter ought to override that of two such creatures, which would not be