on,
for just then the old bull, rendered furious by the wound he
had received, rose fair within forty yards of us, glaring savagely.
We all fired, and hit him in various places, and down he went,
badly wounded. Curiosity now began to overcome the fear of the
onlookers, and some of them sailed on up close to us, amongst
these being the man and woman whom we had first seen a couple
of hours or so before, who drew up almost alongside. Just then
the great brute rose again within ten yards of their base, and
instantly with a roar of fury made at it open-mouthed. The woman
shrieked, and the man tried to give the boat way, but without
success. In another second I saw the huge red jaws and gleaming
ivories close with a crunch on the frail craft, taking an enormous
mouthful out of its side and capsizing it. Down went the boat,
leaving its occupants struggling in the water. Next moment,
before we could do anything towards saving them, the huge and
furious creature was up again and making open-mouthed at the
poor girl, who was struggling in the water. Lifting my rifle
just as the grinding jaws were about to close on her, I fired
over her head right down the hippopotamus's throat. Over he
went, and commenced turning round and round, snorting, and blowing
red streams of blood through his nostrils. Before he could recover
himself, however, I let him have the other barrel in the side
of the throat, and that finished him. He never moved or struggled
again, but instantly sank. Our next effort was directed towards
saving the girl, the man having swum off towards another boat;
and in this we were fortunately successful, pulling her into
the canoe (amidst the shouts of the spectators) considerably
exhausted and frightened, but otherwise unhurt.

Meanwhile the boats had gathered together at a distance, and
we could see that the occupants, who were evidently much frightened,
were consulting what to do. Without giving them time for further
consideration, which we thought might result unfavourably to
ourselves, we instantly took our paddles and advanced towards
them, Good standing in the bow and taking off his cocked hat
politely in every direction, his amiable features suffused by
a bland but intelligent smile. Most of the craft retreated as
we advanced, but a few held their ground, while the big row-boat
came on to meet us. Presently we were alongside, and I could
see that our appearance -- and especially Good's and Umslopog