He opened his great mouth, to yawn, I suppose, and gave me an excellent view of his ivories; and I could not help reflecting how easily he could crunch up our frail canoe with a single bite.

Indeed, I had half a mind to give him a ball from my eight-bore, but on reflection determined to let him alone unless he actually charged the boat.

Presently he sank again as noiselessly as before, and I saw no more of him.

Just then, on looking towards the bank on our right, I fancied that I caught sight of a dark figure flitting between the tree trunks.

I have very keen sight, and I was almost sure that I saw something, but whether it was bird, beast, or man I could not say.