By a dexterous jerk of the main line the float was now placed between the two ropes, and it was immediately secured in the acute angle by bringing together the ends of these ropes on our side.
The men on the opposite bank now dropped their line, and our men hauled in upon the ambatch float that was held fast between the ropes.

Thus cleverly made sure, we quickly brought a strain upon the hippo, and, although I have had some experience in handling big fish, I never knew one to pull so lustily as the amphibious animal that we now alternately coaxed and bullied.

He sprang out of the water, gnashed his huge jaws, snorted with tremendous rage, and lashed the river into foam.

He then dived, and foolishly approached us beneath the water.

We quickly gathered in the slack line, and took a round turn upon a large rock, within a few feet of the river.