With Flashlight and Riiic -^ 



inhabitants of this neighljourhooch the hij)i)()|)t)tanuis. To 

 be sure, it is not always that one is lett in such complete 

 tranrjuillit\- in these hours ot observation. 



The neio'hbourhood was, I knew, free from crocodiles ; 

 which is a curious fact, as the permanent marshes contain 

 fresh drinkable water and it is rmly the [jeriodical floods 

 that are salty. 



At the beginning of m\- stay 1 was making my way 



Wl h, I I'l.iN 1 \\ I I I I I • . i !■ 1 1 1 i 



through one of these temporar\- lakes when, suddenl)', 

 while 1 was still some distance Irom the bank, thert; was 

 a \iolent commotion in the waicr jusL in h-unt ot me. 

 Waves l)roke in e\-er\- direction and m\- men lU-d l)ack in 

 the greatest confusion, leaxing me in the lurch and calling 

 out " Mamba ! Maml)a ! " 



1 m\ self thought 1 saw two cr()codilc;s making lor me, 



I o6 



