IN AFRICAN FOREST AND JUNGLE 



Rogala took the lead, and followed the path, for the 

 noise we heard came from that direction. 



After a short walk we saw the branches of a tree 

 moving and being swayed to and fro by the ngina. 

 The tree was loaded with large fruits of the size of 

 oranges. The monster was breaking the branches, 

 and when they had fallen on the ground plucked 

 the fruit. 



The jungle was so thick around the tree that we 

 could not see the huge creature. So we lay flat on 

 the ground, and advanced towards the tree, separating 

 the jungle on the right or on the left as we made our 

 way towards the monster. 



I was so excited that I could hear my heart beat ; 

 then I stopped. 



The rustling ceased. We looked round and listened. 

 There was no more noise. All was silent ; not even 

 the note of a bird or the pecking of a woodpecker 

 was heard. 



I was just concluding that the huge creature had 

 departed, when suddenly we heard on our left three 

 most terrific yells following each other In succession. 

 These yells were followed by roars that filled the for- 

 est with their din. I looked in the direction with my 

 rifle ready to fire. Then I saw peeping through the 

 leaves a black fierce face looking at us. It was a 



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