“Or hippopotami,” I put in.
“Still less likely,” said Hans. “The monsters never come up such streams as these.”
We started off, and on reaching the stream separated from each other. While looking out for a clear pool free from lilies, or other aquatic plants, presently. Harry, who had gone up the stream, cried out—
“I’ve found a capital place. We can leap into deep water from the bank.”
Just then I heard my uncle shout out—
“Where are you going, boys? The crocodiles come up here to lay their eggs. It is as dangerous a part as any in the country.”
At that moment Harry shouted out, “Hulloa! I’m in!”
I was rushing to his assistance, when I heard a fearful cry from Hans, who, his foot slipping, had fallen into the water. As he did so, a huge crocodile darted across the stream.
My uncle and Mr Welbourn were descending the bank, and were much nearer than I was. I was undecided to whose assistance I should run, when, to my horror, I saw the crocodile seize Hans by the arm, before he could regain his feet. I fortunately had my large hunting-knife in my belt, though I had not;
