There was a flash of steel, a plunge of the strong arm down into the boats, accompanied by a ripping noise.

Then the hunter waded ashore, and with his great hunting-knife ripped up the boats lying on the bank.

Quickly he was back at his place.
"Now, off!" Again they pushed off, the boys with their excitement increasing after this interlude, which showed them the imminence of danger.

A few long strokes took the Okapi well out; then she was put about with her nose up-stream.
"The levers now, my lads!" They perched themselves on the saddle-seats, and at the clanking of the levers the beautiful craft slipped swiftly up-stream.
Then out of the dark there rose the mournful howl of a jackal, almost instantly replied to by a similar call at a distance.
"The chief calling to his jackal," said Mr.Hume.

"Thank Heaven, he has got away.