2 14 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



that when I used all my force the prop gave way, and 

 with the mishap I went overboard. The ducking was 

 but a trine, but the vicinity of the crocodiles some- 

 thing serious, so I clambered on board with more 

 than usual celerity. I don't think that there was 

 danger in this episode, for the in-and-out was so 

 rapidly performed ; still, I will not deny that I was 

 thankful to regain our frail craft without having had 

 a nibble at one of my legs. After much labour we 

 touched the beach, some distance below where we 

 desired, and the solicitous mother for a time 

 evinced no desire to give way ; at length self-pre- 

 servation overcame her maternal instincts, and she 

 glided into the water with as little disturbance to 

 its surface as would have been made, under similar 

 circumstances, by an otter or seal. Her wake, how- 

 ever, was indicated by the ripples on the surface, 

 showing at first an intention of crossing to the other 

 side ; but the reptile changed her purpose, made a 

 wide sweep, and rose to the surface not twenty yards 

 from where we stood. The brute was large and 

 formidable looking, and the shot was tempting, so 

 I aimed at the left eye. The distance was so 

 short that the bullet flew high, but I could see 

 that it had taken effect. Such a wound must have 

 produced great pain ; still the poor wretch did not 

 desert her post of observation till a second bullet, 

 better placed, doubtlessly penetrated her brain, for, 

 in the brief struggle that ensued after receiving it, 



