tall, and often they were hid from sight. I had never felt so anxious
before. Presently I saw them emerge from the reeds and begin to swim
towards the ducks. Some of them not having been killed outright, had
floated to a distance from the others. Towards these Tanda made his
way, while Mr Sedgwick swam towards the four which were still floating.
He was already bringing them back, when, to my horror, I saw between
him and Tanda a huge snout appear above the surface. I knew it to be
that of a crocodile. I trembled for the fate of our kind friend.
Tanda, I thought, would be safe, as he was near the shore. Could I save
Mr Sedgwick? Whether Tanda saw the crocodile or not, I do not know;
but he had already seized the ducks, and had once more plunged into the
water, swimming towards his master. Mr Sedgwick struck out boldly. He
had caught sight of the creature, but it did not unnerve his arm, nor
would he let go his ducks. I heard his voice shouting. `Fire!' I
thought he said. Putting the other guns down, I immediately loaded with
ball, knowing that shot would be utterly useless. I approached the edge
of the lake, and fired at the monster's head, feeling that the lives of
my companions might depend on my aim. The ball struck the monster, but
I saw it bound off into the water. The creature sank, and I dreaded to
see it come up near our friend. The next instant, what was my horror to
observe it rise again, and with open jaws rush at Tanda. The brave
fellow shouted out and thrust the ducks forward, hoping, apparently, to
draw back in time to escape those terrible jaws; but the monster was a
large one and hungry, and so great was his impetus that it seemed almost
as if not an instant had passed before the upper part of the unfortunate
Tanda's body was seized and he was dragged to the bottom of the pond.
Not a shriek escaped him; not a sound was heard.

"Great as was my horror, I still had presence of mind again to load, to
be prepared to assist Mr Sedgwick, should it be necessary. I scarcely
think he saw what had occurred, and with powerful strokes he made his
way towards the bank. Even when he had reached the sedges, I knew that
he might not be safe, as those terrible monsters could easily follow
him. To assist him, however, I kept shouting at the top of my voice,
holding my gun ready to fire should one appear. At length he made his
way across the sedges, and landed on the bank, holding up the birds, and
ex