“Thoroughly,” replied the doctor, “and very glad to have met with such a guide.”
“But I say, captain,” cried Rodd, “don’t forget the big monkeys and the leopards.”
“Oh no,” said the Spaniard. “Farther on yet; and I can’t be sure. There are plenty in the woods one day, and the next they are gone. But we shall come across some of them.” And he sank back smoking again.
“Just look at him,” said Rodd. “He doesn’t seem to take notice of anything.”
“These things have grown common to him,” replied Morny quietly; “but don’t look only at the trees on the banks. Cast your eyes down sometimes into the clear water.”
“Don’t say there are any of those great reptiles here,” said Rodd hurriedly.
“No, I have not seen one to-day; but look at the fish we disturb. They go gliding away to right and left like so many flashes of silver and gold.”
“Now, boys, there’s something,” said the doctor. “Right across the river.” For there was a rush and a splash as some animal that had evidently been wading close in under the bank sprang out of the water with a rush, and disappeared amongst the low growth.
“What’s that, captain?” cried Rodd, making a snatch at his gun.
“Hog,” said the Spaniard quietly. “Did you see it?” asked Rodd. “No; I know the noise they make. Plenty here.” And then it was birds, anon flowers, and some two or three miles farther on Joe Cross, who sat just behind the boys, tiller in hand, glanced at the doctor and asked—“Which way?”