DETERMINE TO RECOMMENCE OUR JOURNEY--THE KING FINDS MEANS TO DELAY AND
DETAIN US--I SAVE THE KING'S CHILD FROM A CROCODILE--PRISONERS.

The very evening on which we had determined to form a canoe, we
commenced our search for a tree suitable for the purpose. In vain,
however, we hunted in the neighbourhood of the lake. Aboh pointed to
the south. "Find him dere," he said.

We were, however, unwilling to go to a distance from our companion, for
we knew not to what dangers he might be exposed should he be left alone,
even although he was able to sit up and handle his rifle, and might
perhaps have hobbled to a short distance. Still he would have to do
that at the risk of again injuring his ankle.

"I will remain with him if you and Charley like to set off with Aboh as
a guide," said Harry. "If you can find a tree at no great distance, you
can cut it down and shape it where it falls, so that it will not give us
much trouble to transport it to the lake."

"More than you suspect, unless we can find a level path down to the
water," observed Charley.

Though I agreed with my brother, we notwithstanding made up our minds to
start early the following morning, and should we find a tree suitable
for a canoe within a mile or so, to cut it down; but if not, to give up
the undertaking. We had cooked overnight some waterfowl for provisions,
and Aboh, I should have said, had found some fruits, which were highly
acceptable. We rose at daybreak, summoned by Harry, who had kept the
morning watch, and at once set off, having determined not to wait for
breakfast, as we wished to have the whole day before us. Charley and I
directed our course to the shore of the lake, to which we had discovered
a path, formed probably by elephants, leading directly to the water.

Just as we were approaching the lake, we caught sight through the bushes
of a canoe paddled by a single rower skimming lightly over the surface
towards us. Wishing to open a communication with the man in the canoe
in order to obtain information from him as to the best course we could
take to get to the northward, or perhaps to induce him to ferry us
across, we hid behind the bushes. The stranger, by his movements,
appeared not to be aware that any one was in the neighbourhood, and came
on without hesitation to the shore, close to the spot where we were hid.

Aboh had remained behind to assist Tom in gathering sticks and lighting
the fire, while Harry had settled to come