ON THE EDGE OF THE POOL. 453 



The sportsmen were so anxious to witness this impending battle, that they rose 

 to their feet, and silently took positions behind the nearest trees, from which they 

 peeped forth with the stealth of so many Indians. 



Had not the gorilla been exclusively interested in the crocodile, it is more than 

 likely he would have detected the hunters near him, but he looked neither to the 

 right nor left, keeping his small black eyes fixed on the reptile, which was one of 

 the largest of its species. 



It was clear that neither of the combatants, so different in every respect, felt the 

 slighest fear of the other, though their mutual respect led each to maneuver with 

 f reat caution. 



The gorilla stopped about a rod distant and looked at the crocodile as if to ask 

 him his intentions. The latter did not move, except to shift his tail slightly. 



This clearly was done with a view of holding it in readiness to deliver one of 

 those blows which are tremendous enough to smash the ribs of an elephant, though 

 the jaws of the reptile are often the most fearful weapons that can be employed in 

 battle. 



