A BACK OUT 155 



together, each one laying down his musket, leady 

 for instantaneous flight. 



The creatures were evidently aware of oui 

 presence, for as they passed us they sniffed the 

 air suspiciously, and breaking into a waddling 

 trot, made the welkin ring with such deafening 

 roars that for awhile it seemed as if all the beasts 

 of the forest had joined in concert. When the 

 troop was past and out of hearing, we crept out 

 of our hiding places and hurried down to the 

 boats, glad to escape without a battle, and per- 

 fectly willing to leave hippopotamus hunting to 

 those who were better provided for the sport 

 than we. 



