They waited in among the wet creepers and tree-roots. Gilbert could feel Wenzi's frightened breathing as she leaned close to him. Whatever was pursuing them came on through the swamp. Once it floundered off the trail in darkness, splashing. It came on again. It paused, making a sniffing sound. An animal? A swamp-hog, perhaps? It sounded about the right size and bulk—but so would a man....
Gilbert brought the rifle up. A dark shadow stirred. "Stop!" Gilbert commanded. "You're in my sights. I can kill you."
"Gil!" a voice implored.
Gilbert dropped the rifle and let it swing on the shoulder thong.
"Arnaud," he said. "I could have shot you." Arnaud was the safari's chief beater and second in command to Gilbert.
"Mulveen told me what he was doing," Arnaud said. "I slipped out of camp."
"Why? You think Mulveen's going to lose?"
"With a dozen boys? No, I couldn't help him hunt you and kill you, that's all."
Arnaud touched his hand. They shook hands solemnly. It was an old gesture which Earthmen had never lost. Gilbert told Arnaud Wenzi was there, told Arnaud Wenzi was a girl.
"So there are three of us now," Arnaud said.