None of us thought of taking off our clothes. We three men prepared for a night-long vigil. One of us would keep thoroughly awake, and the other two would snatch such sleep as they could.
Long hours passed. We felt sure that some time during the night the beast would make his appearance. I sat alertly by a window, a dog at my feet, listening to the night sounds outside and the ceaseless drumming that meant the juju councils were debating whether the blacks were sufficiently worked up to attempt an attack.
Arthur and Evan reclined in their chairs and tried to doze, but there was little rest for any of us. We could think of nothing but the animal we felt sure would make some attempt upon us during the night.
At one o'clock Evan took my place by the window with the dog at his feet. I sat in one of the easier chairs and tried to relax, but it was impossible. I was suddenly conscious of the overpowering heat and humidity. I was bathed in perspiration.
"I've got to have a drink," I said abruptly. "I need it."
Arthur looked up wearily.
"We all need a drink," he said. "It's in the back of the house, isn't it?"
We looked at each other uncertainly.
"I'll go," said Arthur quietly.
I interposed. "We'll both go. Here, in the light, Evan can see to shoot if necessary. We'll use a flash lamp."