have. To abandon their arms was a thing not to be
thought of. Their hunting would be over for that expedition.

Besides, they were in a part of the river where the current was swift,
turbulent, and strong. It would carry them down with irresistible
force. The rapids were full of rough jagged rocks, against which their
bodies might be crushed or lacerated; and the chances were that some of
them might never succeed in reaching the shore in safety.

"And there is another reason why I don't like taking this water trip,"
said Hendrik. "I noticed yesterday, just as we came forward here, a
couple of enormous alligators. In all likelihood, there are scores of
them."

"Then I say, stop where we are for the present," said Arend.
"Alligators are always hungry, and I don't relish to be eaten by them."

"I am not yet so hungry as to leave my roer behind me; therefore, I
second your proposal," said Groot Willem.

It was carried _nemini dissentiente_. They did stay where they were,
but not very patiently. The sun ascended high into the heavens. Its
beams seemed to have their focus on the spot where they were standing.
They never remembered having experienced a day so hot, or one on which
all felt so hungry. Hendrik and Arend became nearly frantic with the
heat and the hunger, though Groot Willem still preserved a remnant of
calmness.

"I wonder if that elephant is watching for us yet?" said he. "If so, he
is what Swartboy calls Congo,--an 'ole fool! I'm sorry we can't oblige
him by paying him a visit, and rewarding him for his prolonged vigil."

Willem's attempt at being witty was intended to cheer his disconsolate
companions. But it was a sad failure. Neither could reply to it even
by a smile.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

A SEPARATION.

All day long did they stay on the islet of stone. They were no longer
apprehensive of being swept away by the flood. They saw that it had
reached its highest, but its subsidence had not yet commenced.

The sun was already in the zenith, hotter than ever, literally roasting
them upon the rock. The situation was intolerable.

"Shall we have to stay here another night?" impatiently asked Hendrik.

"It looks deuced like it," answered Willem.

"And to-morrow, what shall we do then?" inquired Arend. "There may be
no better chance of getting off than there is now."

"That is true," said Willem. "We must think of some way of getting out
of this disagreeable prison. Can any o