avoid marching close to the water,
and that it would be prudent to keep a bright look-out when near the
shores of the lake not to run the risk of being snapped up by a
crocodile.

We were disappointed in consequence of this at not being able to sleep
securely, as we had expected, close down to the water, so that we might
have only one side of our camp to defend. From the experience we had
obtained we now saw that we should run a greater chance of being carried
off by crocodiles than even by lions or leopards.

We had marched on for about an hour after the occurrence I have
described, when finding that we could cut off a point by proceeding
straight on, we had of necessity to leave the shore of the lake, the
water of which we had hitherto always had in sight. We had made good
some distance, often having to cut away the creepers which impeded our
path, and were expecting soon again to catch sight of the water, when
loud trumpeting sounds reached our ears.

We stopped to listen, and were soon convinced that the sounds we heard
were uttered by elephants, and, moreover, that they were for some cause
or other excited by rage. However, as the animals were, we judged,
still at some distance on our right hand, we agreed to continue our
course, hoping that they would not discover us. In case they should do
so, and we should have to defend ourselves, we put bullets into our
rifles. The evening was approaching, and it was necessary to look out
for a spot sufficiently open to enable us to light the fire, and at the
same time not in too dangerous proximity to the lake. That we might
have a better chance of finding the spot we were in search of, we
separated, Tubbs and Charley going on ahead, while Harry, Aboh, and I
searched round on either side of where we then were. We found that we
were at no great distance from the lake, the shining water of which we
saw between the trees.

"Here's a spot just suitable for us," cried Harry, "but we shall have to
cut down the grass that the fire may not spread, otherwise we may create
a blaze which would prove very inconvenient."

Just as he spoke the trumpeting sounds we had before heard again reached
our ears, but very much nearer. Aboh stopped in an attitude of
listening. Presently there came a noise as of the crashing of branches
and the tramping of heavy feet on the ground. "Elephant come dis way,"
exclaimed Aboh; "run, massa, run;" and he set off in the direction of
the lake,