BAD RIFLE. 437 



with a second gun, and as the trail was easy to 

 read, we got along at a good rate. All at once I 

 saw daylight through the trees, and passing into a 

 prairie covered with rank grass, at a distance of 

 about three hundred yards I saw a huge male 

 gorilla, followed by a female and her young one, 

 making the best of their way over the plain. The 

 young one and female appeared to be going on all- 

 fours, but the male was using his knuckles as a 

 fulcrum, and swinging his body forward, although 

 seeming to stoop very little. They had evidently 

 perceived the approach of intruders, and were 

 getting over the ground at their best pace, so I 

 determined to risk a chance shot. Giving a loud 

 whistle from my dog-call to try and attract their 

 attention, and make them stand for a second, with- 

 out effect, I took a steady aim at the male, and 

 pulled both triggers. Had I only had my Westley 

 Eichards' rifle, I should have killed him as dead 

 as a door-nail at that range; but, unfortunately, 

 I had a wretched double breech-loading rifle, 

 by Calisher and Terry, the barrels of which were 

 so carelessly put together, that there was no de- 



