n rapid succession, Park's companions, attacked by
fever, either sank on the road or were left behind, too probably to
perish.
On the 30th of June both Mr Anderson and Mr Scott were attacked by the
fever.
While encamped during a violent tornado, when it was necessary to put
out the watch-fires, a peculiar roaring and growling was heard.
Supposing the sound to be that of wild boars, Park and Lieutenant Martyn
went in search of them and fired several shots into the bush. The
natives on their return told them that they were not boars, but young
lions, and that unless a very good look out was kept they would probably
kill some of the cattle during the night. About midnight the lions
attempted to seize one of the asses, which so alarmed the rest that they
broke the ropes and came full gallop in amongst the tents. Two of the
lions followed so close that the sentry cut one with his sword, but
dared not fire for fear of killing the asses.
Both Anderson and Scott were worse, but Park urged them to proceed.
Alston, a seaman, had become so weak that he was unable to sit his
horse, and entreated to be left in the woods till the morning. Park
gave him a loaded pistol and some cartridges to protect himself.
The next day, the 4th of July, the river Wanda, which they reached, was
found to be greatly swollen. There was but one canoe. In this the
baggage was carried over, and Isaaco endeavoured to make the asses cross
by swimming and pushing them before him. While thus employed, just as
he reached the middle of the stream, a crocodile suddenly rose and,
seizing him by the left thigh, pulled him under water. With wonderful
presence of mind he thrust his finger into the creature's eye; on which
it quitted its hold, and Isaaco attempted to reach the further shore,
calling out for a knife. The crocodile returned and seized him by the
other thigh, and again pulled him under water. He had recourse to the
same expedient, and thrust his finger into its eyes with such violence
that it again quitted him and, when it rose, after flouncing about, swam
down the stream. Isaaco reached the other side, and as soon as the
canoe returned Park went over, and, having dressed his wounds with
adhesive plaster, he was carried to the nearest village, fortunately not
far off. Park here found himself very ill and unable to stand erect
without feeling a tendency to faint, while all the people were so sickly
that they could with difficulty carry
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