n
the distance it very strangely resembled some little craft with upright
mast and dark sail; but as it came nearer it proved to be a patch of
root-matted vegetable soil, washed from the bank, and having in the
centre a small nipah palm, which slowly passed from might, to be cast
ashore upon some mud bank, and again take root.

But as the darkness fell, the distant glitter as of tiny sparks amidst
the trees took the attention of all. They were too distant to see the
phenomenon to perfection; but the faint sparkle was very beautiful as
the myriads of fire-flies, by which it was caused, flitted and changed
from place to place, which was now dark, now scintillating in a most
peculiar manner.

The captain had decided not to attempt the passage of the river till
morning, all on board being very ignorant of its entrance, though,
judging from the configuration of the coast, the most they had to dread
was being grounded for a time on some bank of mud or sand. This part of
the coast was so sheltered that there was no surf; and when the anchor
was let go, the corvette swung round easily, to lie almost without
motion on the calm still waters of the river's mouth.

But though no sign of human habitation had been visible, as the night
wore on those on board became fully aware of the fact that the jungle
had plenty of denizens, for from time to time strange roarings were
heard, and then splashings in the water, as of wild creatures bathing.
Once or twice too, as Bob Roberts and Ensign Long, companions for the
time being, if not friends, leaned over the bulwarks, they fancied they
could hear some great beast swimming towards them.

"What can it be?" said Bob in an awe-stricken whisper, as the strange
snorting and splashing grew nearer.

"'Nosserus," said Dick the sailor, who generally contrived to be pretty
close to the youths, and depended upon them largely for his supplies of
tobacco. "It's one on 'em having a wallow, like a big pig, somewhere in
the shallows."

"That's a tiger, isn't it!" said Tom Long, as a hoarse roar came over
the smooth surface of the water.

"Shouldn't wonder, young gentlemen, if it were; but I'll say good night,
for 'taint my watch, and I think a turn in won't be bad preparation for
a hard day to-morrow."

Everyone expected a busy day upon the morrow; but it was long before the
two youths could tear themselves away from the side of the vessel, for
there was something so mysterious and weird in th