, with our companions in it, had been drifted down towards
the cataract. Each time they only replied as before, with an ominous
shake of the head. Their countenances brightened a little as I
distributed among them the articles which Natty had brought, giving the
chief a knife and a double allowance of beads. Some who had been in the
background, and had not received any, now pressed forward, and looked
very indignant when we showed them that we had no more to give. I now
made signs to them that we wished to go down the banks to try and
ascertain what had become of the canoe; but they put themselves before
us, and intimated that they did not wish us to move to a distance. "But
we must go, and we will go!" cried Natty. "We must find out what has
become of Leo, and the whole tribe together shall not stop me!" It
struck me, however, that probably they wished to cut up the hippopotamus
and distribute it among the people; and that perhaps after this
operation they might be willing to accompany us. Without hesitation,
therefore, we walked along the bank towards the spot where the creature
had been drawn ashore. I concluded that I was right, by seeing the
chief and several men instantly begin to attack the monster. In a short
time they had it skinned and cut up, each one taking a portion. The
chief took none himself, but several men, whom I supposed to be slaves,
were laden with larger portions than any of the rest, which, I have no
doubt, were his share. This done, I again signified our wish to go down
the banks to look for the canoe; and at length, greatly to my
satisfaction, the chief and six of his companions began to move in that
direction. Natty and I hurried on as fast as we could walk, though,
indeed, had we not restrained our eagerness, we should soon have got
ahead of our companions. The distance to the falls was far greater than
I had supposed, for after we had gone some way we could still see the
cloud of mist rising above them. When we got abreast of the islands to
the south of the one we had landed on, we examined them narrowly; but no
sign of the canoe could we discover. It was difficult, however, at all
times to see across the river, on account of the thick wood which in
many places fringed the banks and overhung the water. "Oh, they cannot
be lost! they cannot be lost!" Natty exclaimed every now and then. I
could only reply, I hoped not; and still, as I saw the rapid current
rushing by, I dreade