ommunity might there, I hoped, be some
day established.

As soon as our black friends had agreed to remain, they set off, headed
by Chickango, for the purpose of exploring the banks of the stream, to
ascertain in what direction we should commence our hunt the following
day. They had not been long absent, when Chickango came hurrying back
in a state of excitement, and called to Senhor Silva.

"They have discovered an hippopotamus higher up the stream, and beg that
we will go out at once and assist in killing it."

"What! can they wish to eat one of those ugly brutes?" said Leo. "If
they are like those we saw the other day, it will be a hard matter to
kill them."

"Nothing comes amiss to them," said Senhor Silva; "and we must not
disappoint them."

Senhor Silva, with Stanley and Chickango, accordingly started off, the
two boys and I accompanying them to see the sport. Chickango led us
some way up the stream, where, on a rock among the trees which lined the
island in the centre, we saw a huge monster. He turned his eyes towards
us; but from the indifference with which he regarded our approach, it
was evident that he was unaccustomed to the sight of man Chickango
shouted out.

"What does he say?" asked Stanley.

"It is an hippopotamus. You must fire, and hit him under the ear, and
you are sure to kill him," said Senhor Silva. "The blacks want the
creature for food, and you must not disappoint them."

The water by the side of the banks above the fall was shallow, flowing
amongst numerous rocks. Stanley carried a long pistol in his belt.

"Here, take my gun," he said. "I can hit the creature with this; and if
I fall, it will not be of so much consequence."

Springing forward, he levelled his pistol, and the huge beast rolled
over into the water and was carried down the stream. The report,
however, brought out several others from among the trees on the river's
bank. They came swimming down towards the fall. I was surprised they
did not make towards us, and could not help feeling anxious for
Stanley's safety. He stood his ground, however. Two or three had
passed before he had again loaded. He then took aim at a third. He
missed! The whole, herd now made for the falls. The body of the first
rolled over and over, but the others plunged downwards in a way which
showed that they were well accustomed to the feat; and we saw them
swimming down the centre to the lower part of the stream. As the last
was