“Then, with great caution and under the guise of a vivid interest, I asked him a few questions about his life and his plans. He answered without embarrassment, telling me that he had travelled a great deal in Africa, in the Indies, in America. He added, laughing:
“'I have had many adventures.'
“Then I turned the conversation on hunting, and he gave me the most curious details on hunting the hippopotamus, the tiger, the elephant and even the gorilla.
“I said:
“'Are all these animals dangerous?'
“He smiled:
“'Oh, no! Man is the worst.'
“And he laughed a good broad laugh, the wholesome laugh of a contented Englishman.
“'I have also frequently been man-hunting.'
“Then he began to talk about weapons, and he invited me to come in and see different makes of guns.