464 



A BATTLE OF GIANTS. 



from a pole, carried on the shoulders of Gyp and Hargo, and the party set out for 

 the camp, which was only a short distance off. Since the hunters were in an 

 Equatorial country, and engaged upon a specific errand, their camp was quite 

 primitive, comprising nothing more than a small open space, near a stream which 

 was neither clear nor cool, and where at night a fire was kept burning, for protection 

 against animals, and because of the cheerfulness it afforded. 



The stream was in reality a sluggish river, winding its course through that mala- 

 rious section, and showing signs on its bank of being frequented by some of the 

 most formidable animals of the Dark Continent. Had our friends been prepared 



" MIGHT is RIGHT." 



they could have secured rhinoceroses, hippopotami or elephants, for these animals 

 were fully as plentiful as in South Africa. 



" We've made a good capture, or rather you have," said Jack Harvey to Gyp; 

 " and you must take him down the river at once to King William." 



The Texan had arranged with his friend, the missionary, to assume charge of 

 such young animals as were sent him until the return of the hunters from the jungle. 

 The good man was an excellent naturalist and accepted the trust with pleasure. A 

 portion of his premises were fitted up for such purposes, and he had already sent a 

 number of valuable specimens across the ocean. 



