Gaining the edge of the thicket, Frank, who was nearest the river, peered through the screen of foliage. As he carefully parted the leaves and branches, there was a startled snort and three big, clumsy-looking brown creatures leaped from the damp ground and stood for an instant staring towards the boy and sniffing the air suspiciously. So surprised was Frank at the sudden appearance of the beasts that, for a moment, he forget to shoot, and the next second the three animals were scurrying out of sight. Hastily throwing up his rifle, Frank blazed away at the retreating forms.
“What was it? What did you shoot?” yelled Tom, as he and Rawlins came running at the report of Frank’s rifle.
“Don’t know if I shot anything or what they were,” replied Frank. “I was so surprised I didn’t fire till they were running away. They went over there.”
Hurrying to the other side of the thicket, Rawlins, who was in advance, gave a shout. “I’ll say you shot him!” he cried. “Guess it’s one of those water haas.”
The two boys hurried forward and found the diver bending over the dead animal, a curious-looking creature with short stiff hair, an enormous head and broad blunt snout.
“Why, he’s got webbed feet!” exclaimed Frank who was examining his prize.
“And he does look like a huge Guinea pig,” declared Tom.
Elated at their success, the boys picked up the animal and hurried back to the boat.
“Yes, it’s a water haas or capybara,” declared Mr. Thorne. “Now we’ll have a fine feast to-night.”
“But he’s got webbed feet,” said Frank. “Can they swim?”