very near to the equator. The howling and
hoarse barking of wild beasts was now heard to an extent that fully
satisfied Larry O'Hale and his friend Muggins. There were patches of
dense jungle here and there, in which it was supposed the animals lay
concealed, and each of these were carefully examined by our travellers.
That there was need for caution became apparent from the fact that Bunco
carried his gun at full cock in the hollow of his left arm, and had a
stern, earnest expression of visage which was quite new to his nautical
companions, and made a deep impression on them. Curious and interesting
change of sentiment:--the man whom, while at sea, they had treated with
good-humoured contempt, was ere long clung to and regarded almost with
reverence!

"Be quiet, boys, here," he said, "an' no make noise. Keep de eyes
open."

After this he did not speak, but gave his directions by signs.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

IN WHICH BUNCO DISPLAYS UNCOMMON VALOUR, AND TIGERS COME TO GRIEF.

Advancing cautiously, the travellers arrived at the brink of a dark
ravine, in the bottom of which there was a good deal of brushwood, with
here and there several pools of water. They had remained a short time
here on the top of the bank, listening to the various barks and cries of
the wild animals around them, when their attention was arrested by
several loud yelps, which sounded as if some creature were approaching
them fast. Bunco signed to them to stoop and follow him. They did so,
and had not advanced a hundred yards when the loud clatter of hoofs was
heard. Bunco crouched instantly and held his gun in readiness, while
his black eyes glittered and his expressive features seemed to blaze
with eagerness. His followers also crouched among the bushes, and each
grasped his club with a feeling that it was but a poor weapon of defence
after all--though better than nothing!

They had not to wait long, for, in a few minutes, a beautiful black wild
horse came racing like the wind along the clear part of the ravine in
the direction of the place where they were concealed. The magnificent
creature was going at his utmost speed, being pursued by a large tiger,
and the steam burst from his distended nostrils, while his voluminous
mane and tail waved wildly in the air. The tiger gained on him rapidly.
Its bounds were tremendous; at each leap it rose several feet from the
ground. The poor horse was all but exhausted, for he slipped and came
d