CHAPTER LVII. 



THE BEHEMOTH. 



tHE night was unusually still, the hunters being so far removed from the jungle 

 that most of the noises which are never silent failed to reach their ears, or 

 did so with such subdued power that they only served to render the silence 

 more impressive. 



Everything had been put in good shape for the night, Abdallah taking charge 

 of his countrymen, with the exception of Pongo and Diedrick, who were gathered 

 with the white men around the fire. 



Abdallah, Govozy and Wart were to act as sentinels for the first half of the night, 

 while Adz, Bormo, Valmur and Gooboo, under the direction of Orak (who consid- 

 ered himself fully recovered), were to perform the duty for the remaining hours of 

 darkness. 



This placed the responsibility on the most insignificant members of the expe- 

 dition, but Mr. Godkin wished to give himself and friends abundant rest, so they 

 would be in good form for the morrow. 



The sound which caused the interruption on the part of Jack Harvey was a 

 heavy, wheezing snort, from the direction of the river. The director suspected its 

 nature, but, without speaking, sprang to his feet, and looked toward the point 

 whence it came. 



At the same moment Pongo came running toward them. 



" River-horse in grass," he said, "out there me see him." 



This was news indeeed. 



" Well, I'll be hanged ! " exclaimed Jack ; " why not go on the hunt to-night, 

 Carl ? " 



" We will," was the reply; " come on, Pongo and Diedrick and the rest of you. 

 Jack, you don't want your lasso, but each of you make sure you have a weapon. 

 Pongo, leave your boomerangs behind and fetch one of the shot-guns." 



The directions were quickly obeyed, and a few minutes later the party, number- 

 ing six, on foot, were hurrying toward the river, whence had come the suspicious 

 sound, and where the Bushman had seen the mountainous behemoth. 



It was not in sight, but a heavy splashing on the other side of the stream left 

 no doubt that the animal had crossed the river, and was making its way along 

 the opposite bank. 



" We must follow," said Mr. Godkin, " for we may not have as good a chance 

 to-morrow." 



There were the raft and dug-out ready for use, and it need not be said they 

 were appropriated without delay. The boat, although quite large, was barely able 



3'7 



