THE CRASH OF SPLINTERING WOOD. 



disturbance of the current was un- 

 avoidable; but, had it been less, it 

 would have been silence itself. 



All at once the two natives 

 stopped propelling, and, leaning 

 forward, peered intently through 

 the gloom. They had caught a 

 sound, the nature of which neither 

 understood, but no one thought of 

 anything else except the hippo- 

 potamus. 



Observing the alarm of their 

 guides, as they may be termed, the 

 boys held their peace, 

 and used eyes and 

 ears to the utmost. 



A RESISTLESS ATTACK. 



The whole four heard distinctly the moving, of some body in the water near 

 them. It was not such a ripple as would have been made by a natural obstruction 

 in the current, but it was irregular and spasmodic, proving that it was caused by 

 some fish or animal. 



Diedrick and Dick were standing erect on the raft, peering forward in the dark- 

 ness, the Hottentot holding the long pole half out of water and firmly grasped with 

 both hands. His gun lay near the middle of the raft, but the lad not only clung to 

 his weapon, but he kept it ready for the river-horse if she should attack them. 



