In another second I saw the huge red jaws and gleaming ivories close with a crunch on the frail craft, taking an enormous mouthful out of its side and capsizing it.

Down went the boat, leaving its occupants struggling in the water.

Next moment, before we could do anything towards saving them, the huge and furious creature was up again and making open-mouthed at the poor girl, who was struggling in the water.

Lifting my rifle just as the grinding jaws were about to close on her, I fired over her head right down the hippopotamus's throat.

Over he went, and commenced turning round and round, snorting, and blowing red streams of blood through his nostrils.