IN AFRICAN FOREST AND JUNGLE 



We went forward as noiselessly as a fish or a leopard. 

 We advanced slowly, looking upon the ground each 

 time we put down our feet, for fear of stepping upon 

 some little dead branches of trees. We put aside 

 most carefully with one of our hands the jungle that 

 was in our way, for we knew that the least noise would 

 make the animals suspicious. 



On account of the great care we took to make no 

 noise our advance was very slow, but forward we 

 went, and nearer and nearer we came to the "men 

 of the woods.'' At last we heard the rustling they 

 made as they moved about in the jungle. We ad- 

 vanced with still greater care, when, lo ! I saw the 

 two creatures. I did not even dare to give a click 

 of warning, for fear that their quick ears would 

 hear it. Fortunately Rogala had seen them also. 

 We looked at each other, and I made a sign to 

 him that we must not fire at them, and to remain 

 where we stood. 



The two nshiego-nkengos had their backs turned 

 towards us, so we could not see their faces. They 

 were seated close together. Now and then they 

 stretched out their arms to reach the pineapples before 

 them. I could hear them biting them, uttering now 

 and then a peculiar sound of contentment, showing 

 how pleased they were with their food. 

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