. FUNNY VISITOKS 



Nothing would have been easier than to have opened a fusillade on the funny 

 creatures that would have quickly decimated them ; but nothing, at the same time, 

 would have been more cruel, and the youths had no idea of anything of the kind. 



Pongo and Abdullah scorned to pay attention to them. The animals were 

 beneath their notice, and the sentinels had more important business on hand than 

 to give heed to them. 



While the lads were trying to obtain a better view of the odd-looking creature, 

 he vanished, as if conscious of the notice he had attracted and anxious to escape it 



"I wouldn't mind capturing him, if we had a chance," said Bob, peering about 

 in the gloom ; " but he is so big that I suppose he would fight like a wild-cat" 



" If we only had Jack's lasso, and knew how to throw it, it would be easy enough 

 confound it ! " 



The youth made a frantic clutch at his hat, which just then was whisked from 

 his head as deftly as any school-boy ever performed the trick. Bob broke into 

 laughter, for he had seen the spotted baboon sneaking up behind his cousin, and, 

 suspecting his purpose, held his peace. 



The look of dismay on his companion's face caused even the glum Pongo to 

 smile. 



" Bring that back ! " called Dick, half amused and half angry ; " that's the only 

 hat I've got, and we have a hot sun in this country." 



The thief, on securing the trophy, had scampered off among his companions, all 

 of whom now indulged in the liveliest of chattering, as if delighted with the exploit 



"How shall I get that again?" queried Dick, surveying the fellow, who had 

 halted a few steps away, as if to invite him to make the attempt. 



The lad did not hesitate, but began cautiously approaching the baboon, who 

 held his ground until he was almost within reach. Then he slowly edged off. 



Dick made a quick jump and shot out his hand. 



He came very nigh catching the thief, but missed him by a hair's breadth, and 

 once more Bob and Pongo laughed. Abdullah may have been amused, but he 

 failed to make it manifest. 



"You'll have to run a race with him," remarked Bob ; "I don't think I would 

 feel very proud of letting a baboon steal my hat hold on 1" 



Off went Bob's head-gear, snatched from his possession by another of the 

 nimals as cleverly as the first had performed the feat for his cousin. 



