me
upon the tracks of a gorilla. Being armed only with my small-bore
double rifle, and not being by any means confident of my shooting
powers, I hesitated some time before making up my mind to follow the
tracks.

At first I thought of retracing my steps and acquainting my comrades
with the discovery I had made; but the little probability there was of
my finding them within several hours deterred me. Besides, I felt
ashamed to confess that I had been afraid to prosecute the chase alone;
so, after pondering the matter a little, I decided on advancing.

Before doing so, however, I carefully examined the caps of my rifle and
loosened my long hunting-knife in its sheath. Then I cautiously
followed up the track, making as little noise as possible, for I was
well aware of the watchfulness of the animal I was pursuing.

The footprints at first were not very distinct, but ere long I came on a
muddy place where they were deeply imprinted, and my anxiety was
somewhat increased by observing that they were uncommonly large--the
largest I had ever seen--and that, therefore, they had undoubtedly been
made by one of those solitary and gigantic males, which are always found
to be the most savage.

I had scarcely made this discovery when I came unexpectedly on the
gorilla itself. It was seated at the foot of a tree about fifty yards
from the spot where I stood, the space between us being comparatively
clear of underwood. In an instant he observed me, and rose, at the same
time giving utterance to one of those diabolical roars which I have
before referred to as being so terrible.

I halted, and felt an irresistible inclination to fire at once; but
remembering the oft-repeated warnings of my companions, I restrained
myself. At that moment I almost wished, I freely confess, that the
gorilla would run away. But the monster had no such intention. Again
uttering his horrible roar, he began slowly to advance, at the same time
beating his drum-like chest with his doubled fist.

I now felt that my hour of trial had come. I must face the gorilla
boldly, and act with perfect coolness. The alternative was death. As
the hideous creature came on, I observed that he was considerably larger
than the biggest we had yet seen; but, strange to say, this fact made no
deeper impression upon me. I suppose that my whole mental and nervous
being was wound up to the utmost possible state of tension. I _felt_
that I was steady and able to brave