chap, xil] SHOOT A CROCODILE. 349 
approach of the canoe they plunged into the water, 
and raised their heads above the surface at about 
twenty-five paces. I was uncertain about my Fletcher 
rifle, as it had been exposed to so much wet; therefore 
to discharge it, I took a shot at the nearest crocodile 
just behind the eye. The little rifle was in perfect 
order—thanks to Elys “double waterproof central 
fire-caps,” which will resist all weathers—and the 
bullet striking the exact spot, the great reptile gave a 
convulsive lash with his tail, and turning on his back, 
with his paws above the water, he gradually sunk. 
The native boatmen were dreadfully frightened at the 
report of the rifle, to the great amusement of their 
countrywoman, Bacheeta, and it was with difficulty 
that I persuaded them to direct the canoe to the 
exact spot. Being close to the shore, the water was 
not more than eight feet deep, and so beautifully clear, 
that I could, when just above the crocodile, perceive it 
lying at the bottom on its belly, and distinguish the 
bloody head that had been shattered by the bullet. 
While one of my men prepared a slip-knot, I took a 
long lance that belonged to a boatman, and drove it 
deep through the tough scales into the back of the 
neck ; hauling gently, upon the lance I raised the 
head near to the surface, and slipping the noose over 
it, the crocodile was secured. It appeared to be quite 
dead, and the flesh would be a bonne-bouche for my 
men; therefore we towed it to the shore. It was a 
fine monster, about sixteen feet long, and although 
it had appeared dead, it bit furiously at a thick male 
bamboo which I ran into its mouth to prevent it from 
snapping during the process of decapitation. The 
natives regarded my men with disgust as they cut 
huge lumps of the choicest morsels and stowed them 
in the canoes; this did not occupy more than a quarter 
of an hour, and hurrying on board, we continued our 
voyage, well provided with meat—for all who liked it. 
To my taste, nothing can be more disgusting than 
crocodile flesh. I have eaten almost everything ; but 
