I then entered a very narrow track through the forest, the bush on both sides being so dense as to resemble an impenetrable wall or dense hedge.
It is necessary to bear this in mind to realise what followed.

I had not gone many yards along this track, when I was horrified to see, right in front of me, an enormous alligator! This great reptile was shuffling along down the path towards me, evidently making for the water, and it not only blocked my advance, but also necessitated my immediate retreat.
The moment the brute caught sight of me he stopped, and began snapping his jaws viciously.

I confess I was quite nonplussed for the moment as to how best to commence the attack upon this unexpected visitor.

It was impossible for me to get round him in any way, on account of the dense bush on either side of the narrow forest track.

I decided, however, to make a bold dash for victory, having always in mind the prestige that was so necessary to my existence among the blacks.