consequence, physical
exertion, so that our nervous system is strengthened and our muscular
powers are increased."

"Very well put, indeed," cried Peterkin. "Now, Ralph, try to forget
your `secondly,' omit your `thirdly,' throw your `fourthly' to the
winds, and let your `first place' be your `last place,' and I'll give
you credit for being a wise and effective speaker."

I gave in to my volatile friend at that time, as I saw that he would not
allow me to go on, and, to say truth, I thought that I had exhausted my
subject. But, after all, Peterkin did not require to be incited either
to good thoughts or good actions. With all his exuberant fun and
jocularity, he was at bottom one of the most earnest and attached
friends I ever possessed. I have lived to know that his superficial
lightness of character overlaid as deeply earnest and sympathetic a
spirit as ever existed.

While we were thus conversing and wandering through the forest, we again
came upon the fresh tracks of a gorilla, and from their great size we
conjectured them to be those of a solitary male. It is a remarkable
fact that among several of the lower animals we find specimens of that
unnatural class of creatures which among men are termed old bachelors!
Among the gorillas these _solitaires_ are usually very large, remarkably
fierce, uncommonly ugly, desperately vindictive, and peculiarly
courageous; so much so that the natives hold them in special dread. It
is of these wild men of the woods that their most remarkable and
incredible stories are related.

"I don't think it's a gorilla at all," said Jack, stooping down to
examine the footprints, which in that place were not very distinct; "I
think an elephant or a rhinoceros must have passed this way."

"No, massa, them's not deep 'nuff for dat. Hims be a gorilla--a bery
big one, too."

"Don't let us talk then, lest we should scare it," whispered Peterkin.
"Lead the way, Mak; and mind, when we come close enough, move your great
carcass out of the way and let me to the front."

"No, no, lad," said Jack. "Fair play. It's my turn now."

"So be it, my boy. But get on."

The tracks led us a considerable distance deeper into the wood, where
the trees became so thick that only a species of twilight penetrated
through them. To add to our discomfort, the light, we knew, would soon
fail us altogether, as evening was drawing on apace, so we quickened our
pace to a smart run.

We had not proceeded