e expected to get a sight of these monsters," said David. "But
see! they take no notice of us, and we need not be afraid of them."

I had my gun, and instinctively levelled at the head of the nearest
hippopotamus.

"Do not fire," said David. "Even if you were to kill the beast we could
not get him, and it would be cruel to slaughter him without any object
in view. He intends us no harm; we ought to allow him to enjoy the
existence the Creator has given him."

The hippopotami swam by and dived, and presently we saw them rise to the
surface with a quantity of weeds in their mouths, which they chewed
leisurely as they swam on. The crocodiles meantime crawled up on the
bank and lay basking in the sun, enjoying its warmth, and looking at
that time, at all events, as if they had no evil intentions. It was a
curious scene, and gave us an idea of the vast amount of animal life to
be met with in that region.

"I think it would frighten Kate, brave as she is, to see those huge
monsters," said Leo.

"Oh, no," answered David. "Bella might be somewhat alarmed; but I am
sure Kate would be as much interested as we are in witnessing this
curious sight. We will get her to come, but warn her beforehand what
she is to expect."

We accordingly hastened back to the camp, but found we had been so long
absent that it was now time to proceed; and the bearers taking up their
loads, we continued our march. Senhor Silva assured Kate and Bella they
need not be disappointed at missing a sight of the flamingoes, as they
would have many opportunities of seeing troops of those magnificent
birds, which are found in vast numbers throughout that region.

The woods as we proceeded appeared full of life. Birds flitted among
the boughs, and monkeys of all sorts sprang here and there, chattering
and hooting as we passed. Soon after this we emerged from the wood and
entered a beautiful prairie--a natural clearing covered with grass or
low shrubs and flowers. As yet we had fallen in with no inhabitants.
"Oh, but see!" exclaimed Leo. "There are some huts ahead. Shall we go
and pay the people a visit?" The boys ran on. I thought Senhor Silva
would have called them back, but he allowed them to proceed. At all
events, he knew that if the huts were inhabited, the people were likely
to prove friendly. The boys stopped before the seeming huts, and began
to examine them. We saw them walking round and round, and they then
finally climbed to th