CHAPTER LXX1X. 



A STRANGE BATTLE. 



tHE crocodile and gorilla are two of the most ferocious members of the animal 

 kingdom. Both stand low on the plane of intelligence, but each possesses a 

 certain cunning which enables him to use his prodigious strength to the best 

 possible advantage. Had they been endowed with the brains of the elephant, they 

 could not have made a better fight than they did. 



Bending slightly forward, the gorilla indulged in some odd grimacing motions, 

 much like those of the ordinary monkey, and which were meant to tantalize the 

 crocodile into coming forth and assailing him. 



But the huge reptile knew better than to do that, though it is hard to see wherein 

 it would have added to its danger. He preferred the water and mud, where he 

 could use his peculiar means of fighting better than on land. 



The gorilla kept up his taunts for a minute or two, and then walked lightly 

 toward the crocodile, as if he intended to attack in front. The reptile did not stir, 

 but you may be sure he kept his gaze on his enemy. 



If the animal opened the battle in the style he seemed to intend, the jaws of the 

 defender would bring it to a quick conclusion. 



Uttering his cry in a half-suppressed voice, the gorilla made a leap forward, as 

 if to alight on the snout of the other. Instantly those jaws opened like a vast steel 

 trap, and, had the gorilla made the bound that he really appeared to have started 

 upon, he would have been caught in a vise from which ten times his power would 

 not have extricated him. 



But, with inimitable dexterity, the animal turned himself to one side and leaped 

 backward, eluding the mouth, which snapped shut with a sound that startled the 

 spectators. 



Hardly had the gorilla jumped when the crocodile doubled himself sideways, 

 and his great tail made a terrific sweep, like that of a scythe in the hands of a 

 giant. It whizzed over the ground where the gorilla was standing, but did not hit 

 him. 



He bounded into the air with a nimbleness that could not have been surpassed* 

 and the next moment did a thing so incredible that the hunters could hardly believe 

 their eyes. 



The crocodile knew he was going to miss before his furious blow was delivered, 

 and, with astonishing agility, he wheeled with open jaws to seize the exasperating 

 enemy ; but the same dexterity that had saved the latter an instant before did not fail 

 him now. He darted like a flash to the left, then sprang directly upon the back of 

 the saurian, aod, bending over, grasped his forelegs. 



454 



