The hippo was dragged ashore as the first one had been. When the ladies came to themselves they concluded that they did not want any more hippo-hunting that day. We returned to camp as quickly as we could; the ladies declined our invitation to remain for luncheon, but went to their own quarters immediately.
Of course we had a good deal to say to one another about the incidents of the day, and particularly concerning the mishap, which might have been horribly serious.
"But for your quickness, and the strength of your arms," said Harry, addressing Jack, "I'm afraid our lady friend would have been food for the crocodiles. What a horrible thought!"
"Yes, indeed," said Jack; "I'm so glad I didn't have time to think; had there been any opportunity whatever for exercising my thoughts, I'm afraid I should have been paralyzed at the situation."
"It is just possible," I added, "that the crocodiles which were swimming so rapidly toward the boat were doing so from curiosity, and not with the idea that something which they could catch was there."
"Yes, that's barely possible," said Harry; "let us suppose it was the case, and dismiss the subject; I don't like to think of it."
"Nor I," said Jack.
I added, "Nor I."
So by mutual consent we put the river and the hippos, and all incidents connected with them, out of our thoughts. We discussed buffaloes and elephants and other game, and at length I suggested that we had better be moving from where we were.
"Why so!" queried Jack, and Harry echoed the inquiry.