to John; for hitherto
we had not had time to speak to him. "But why should we be afraid of
these little creatures? They have more reason to be afraid of us, from
the number you have killed, I should think."

"Just look into their mouths, and you will soon see that they are not so
harmless as you suppose," he answered. "I have had a narrow escape of
losing my life; for one of them caught me in the leg as I was climbing
this tree, and had I let go my hold, the whole herd would have been upon
me, and I should have been cut to pieces in a few seconds. Those tusks
of theirs are as pointed as needles and as sharp as razors. I am very
glad you found me out, too; for I left my wallet hanging on a branch,
just before I had to run for my life from these fellows. But how did
you get back?"

I briefly told him of our adventures.

"You must have been anxious about me at the camp," he observed. "But
the honest truth is, I lost my way, and at this moment scarcely know
where I have got to. I had, however, few fears about myself; but have
been very sorry for poor dear Ellen, while I could not tell whether you
were safe or not. However, we must drive away these savage little
brutes."

Saying this, he knocked over another. I followed his example. Arthur
and Duppo were meantime shooting their arrows at the herd. Undaunted,
however, the animals stood collected below us. It was evident that they
were influenced rather by dull obstinacy or ignorance of their danger
than by courage. At length their obtuse senses showed them that they
were getting the worst of it. The survivors began to turn their fierce
little eyes towards their dead companions, and it seemed to strike them
that something was the matter.

"Shout!" cried out John--"shout! and perhaps we may frighten them away."

We raised our voices, Duppo joining in with his shrill pipe. The
peccaries looked at each other; and then one moved to a little distance,
then another, and at last the whole herd set off scampering away through
the forest. We sent reiterated shouts after them, fearing that they
might otherwise stop, and perhaps come back again; but they at last
discovered that discretion is the better part of valour, and the
trampling of their feet became less and less distinct, till it was lost
in the distance.

We now descended from our perches. I handed down True into Arthur's
arms. True had been very dissatisfied with his position, and, to
revenge himsel