very moment drawing
nearer and nearer.

In a very few seconds they had got so close, that we could see them
distinctly enough, and no longer conjectured about what kind of animals
they were. I knew them as soon as the light enabled me to get a view of
them. I knew them from having seen some of their kind in a menagerie,
and my companion was even better acquainted with them--they were
baboons.

The discovery did not in any way tend to allay the apprehensions which
their voices had created. Quite the contrary was the effect produced.
We both knew well enough the fierce disposition of these brutes--any one
who has ever witnessed their behaviour in the cage must be acquainted
with the fact, that they are the most spiteful and savage creatures that
can be imagined, and exceedingly dangerous to be approached. And this,
too, after being tamed and constantly receiving kindness from the hand
of man! Still more dangerous when in their native haunts--so much so,
that the woods which they inhabited are never traversed by the natives
without great precaution, and only when several persons well-armed go
together.

Now both my companion and I were well acquainted with these facts; and
to say that we were scared, when we saw the baboons approaching our
place of encampment, is only to declare the simple truth. We were
scared and badly scared too--quite as much terrified as we had been by
the sight of the lion.

We saw, moreover, that these baboons were of the largest, and most
dangerous kind--for there are several different species of baboons in
Africa. These were the hideous "mandrills," as we could tell by their
great swollen cheeks, of purple and scarlet colour, that shone
conspicuously under the light of our fire. We could distinguish their
thick hog-like snouts, and yellow chin-beards as they advanced; and we
had no doubt about what sort of enemy was before us.

Had there been only one or two of these hideous brutes, an attack from
them would have been dangerous enough--far more so than an encounter
with hyenas or fierce mastiff dogs, for the mandrill is more than a
match for either. But what was our dismay on perceiving that the brutes
were in great numbers--in fact a whole flock or tribe was on the ground,
and advancing towards us from all sides. Turn which way we would, their
eyes were gleaming upon us, and their painted faces shining under the
blaze. From all sides came their cries of menace--so shrill and loud