e observed eight or ten large alligators and
several small ones basking on the sandbank. Our approach somewhat
startled them; and off they slid into the water, swimming towards the
bank where the Pangwes were collected. They apparently caught sight of
them at the same time. One of the leading swimmers at that instant
threw up his arms, and, uttering a shriek, was drawn down under the
water. The others, seeing the fate of their companion, turned round,
and, in spite of the shouts and exhortations of their chiefs, swam back
to the shore. The alligators pursued them, and two others were carried
down before they could reach the banks. So eager were the monsters that
we saw their snouts rising above the water even at the very bank, when
hundreds of spears were darted at them. Aimed in a hurry, the missiles
probably glided off their scaly sides. We could not discover whether
any were killed.

Now the Pangwes, finding that their attempt to cut us off had failed,
began hurling their spears at us, and sending showers of light arrows,
many of which fell fearfully close to the canoe. Some stuck in the
sandbank, inside of which we were making our way. It showed us the
danger of having to pass our enemies where the river became narrower.
The only advantage we should there possess would be the greater rapidity
of the current. We continued to ply our paddles with might and main.
Now we had passed the sandbank, and a wide extent of water lay between
us and the negro army. They, however, appeared to have discovered that
should we get far ahead we might escape them altogether; and we saw a
large body moving away to the southward. We could not help fearing that
there might be some bend in the river, or narrow passage, where they
might still hope to cut us off. Our utmost efforts must be exerted,
therefore, to gain the place before they could reach it. There was
still another danger. We might ground on one of the sandbanks, or some
point might project from the western side and compel us to go round
nearer to the eastern bank. I, of course, kept these thoughts to
myself, and did my utmost to send the canoe along, and to keep up the
spirits of my companions.

"If we get within reach of them," sung out Stanley from his canoe, as he
saw them moving along the bank of the river, "we must instantly take to
our arms and give them a volley. It will not do to let any of their
arrows come near us."

"Ay, ay," I answered. "Our mu