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 
