iv KOM-KOM 47 



double and redouble on his tracks, he assuredly 

 means mischief, and feeling that Kom-Kom 

 would prove no exception to this rule, we moved 

 forward with the greatest circumspection. Con- 

 fident that we were close upon him, we stopped 

 for a few moments and listened with strained 

 ears for any noise that might indicate his 

 whereabouts, but no sound broke the peaceful 

 stillness of the jungle, save the gentle rustle of 

 the breeze among the dense foliage. There 

 now occurred an incident which would have 

 proved a ludicrous anti-climax to the tenseness 

 of the moment, had not the situation been so 

 fraught with danger as to preclude any element 

 of humour. Simba, in spite of a supreme effort 

 to restrain himself, gave vent to a loud sneeze ! 

 At once, there was a shrill angry scream and Kom- 

 Kom made a wild, impetuous rush at us from 

 our rear. My trackers sprang nimbly out of 

 his way, and I had barely time to turn, raise 

 my rifle, and fire both barrels into his fast, 

 approaching face ! 



Fortunately for me, the smashing impact of the 

 bullets sent him swerving aside, and for a few 

 moments he came to a standstill, as if dazed, not 

 more than fifteen yards away. Seeing that I had 

 no time to reload my rifle, Simba, with the precision 

 and coolness that are the result of good nerves and 



