224 WILD LIFE UNDER THE EQUATOR. 
it, when lo! a terrible cry sprung from among us. The 
leopard, which was probably watching, with a tremendous 
leap sprung on the intruder, his claws fastened deeply into 
his shoulder, and the teeth of his powerful jaws holding 
the neck of the man, who uttered a fearful shriek. In — 
less time than I can tell you the leopard was covered 
with the spears that had gone through him; he dropped 
down dead with the man whom he had killed.” 
They all shouted, “ Yes, this leopard had been once a 
man who was possessed with witchcraft.” 
My breath was becoming short with excitement, and 
I was glad when. the story was over, for the sweat was 
fast coming down from my face. 
We turned the meat on the other side on the orala, 
and left our three native dogs, Kambi, Goa and Andeko, 
to take care of the premises (they were now lying by the 
fires, enjoying the heat thoroughly), and then we went to 
sleep. 
During the night I woke, thinking I heard a boom- 
ing sound like that of heavy footsteps, when the dogs 
began to bark, and soon I heard a crash through the for- 
est. It was a herd of elephants which was wandering 
not far from us, and then the forest resumed its wonted 
stillness. 
Now I had remained a long time at the head-waters 
of the Ovenga—a long time has gone by since the last 
chapter. Months had been spent in that region, and I 
thought now of descending the river to visit my settle- 
ment of Washington on the sea-side. It was high time. 
I was still suffering from fever attacks, and had not 
quinine enough left for a large dose. 
Not only was I sick, but also poor and ragged. My 
