XII 
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 
1 7 
until they can touch the float which they intend 
to secure. They manipulate their lines in a 
manner that enables them to catch the float 
between the two ropes. When this is accom¬ 
plished, the hunter on the opposite side of the river 
slacks off his rope, as his companion joins his two 
lines together and hauls upon the float, which is 
now secured in the angle between them. The 
man who has let go his end of the rope now 
rejoins his companions, and they all haul away 
upon the lines that have captured the float, to 
drag the hippopotamus towards the shore. 
The fun begins; the hippo, feeling that it is 
dragged, offers the greatest amount of resistance, 
but by degrees, and with careful management, it 
is guided within striking distance, and another 
harpoon is fixed within its stubborn hide. There 
is no longer any delicacy necessary, as the collective 
power of the hunters can be distributed upon the 
various ropes attached to their respective harpoons, 
without fear of breakage. 
I have seen a hippopotamus, under these con¬ 
ditions, quit the refuge of deep water and boldly 
challenge the crowd of his pursuers by landing 
upon the bank and making a general onslaught 
upon them. These splendid fellows fought the 
enraged animal with lances, some of which were 
caught and crushed within its powerful jaws. 
But the most telling defence was made with 
handfuls of sand, which, thrown in the prominent 
eyes, immediately forced the half-blinded beast to 
VOL. II 
c 
