it's my honest belafe," said Dinny, "that if you
put down enough mate before them two Sooloo boys they'd kape on aiting
till they got to be hungry again."

In spite of the heat of the weather, the performances of Dick and Jack
upon strong venison essence and roast gazelle were enough to startle any
housekeeper of small income and an anxiety about the state of the
butcher's bill. But of course the outdoor life and constant exertion
produced a tremendous appetite; and as Mr Rogers noted the change in
Dick, whose palate had to be tempted only a short time back, he felt
thankful to see the difference.

Dinny had outdone himself that day in the matter of cookery; and a
hearty meal having been eaten, the boys spent half-an-hour with their
pets, the leopard being so far particularly docile, and their horses
whinnying with satisfaction as soon as they heard their masters' steps.
Then there were the cattle to look at, all of which were sleek and well;
and lastly, the various specimens to arrange before going to rest.

The sun was getting low by this time, and the stillness of the wilds was
only broken by the twittering of a little flock of birds in the adjacent
trees, when Dinny came running from the river-side--

"Hoi, sor! bring the roifles, an' ye plaze. Here's Pater being
swallowed down by one of thim great crocodivils!"

"Quick, boys!" cried Mr Rogers; but there was no need to speak, for the
rifles had been already seized, and away the little party ran, towards
the river.

The water was not visible till they were close upon it, on account of
the conformation of the land; but when they did come in sight, the scene
was so curious that they halted with cocked pieces, gazing down from the
rocks at black Peter the driver.

Peter being a particularly cleanly man had taken a pair of his linen
drawers down to the stream to wash, with Dinny sitting on the edge of
the rock smoking his pipe, and looking-on. All had gone well till Peter
was beating the garment about in the water for a final rinse, when
suddenly the jaws of a huge crocodile were protruded from the surface,
not a yard away.

As might have been expected, Peter dropped his drawers, and darted back,
while the crocodile remained staring at him, and Dinny rushed off
shouting for help.

They learned afterwards that what they had now seen had been repeated
several times. For just as they paused, Peter was creeping cautiously
forward towards where his drawers lay