For the crocodiles were driving the shoals of fish into the little bays and creeks, and then stunning them by beating the water heavily with their tails, the result being that the paralysed fish were easily devoured.
I felt as if I could never tire of gazing at the monsters so busy before us.

There must have been at least five-and-twenty, and all of large size; and it was not a pleasant thought to consider what would have been the consequences if we had attempted to wade across the lagoon.
Before leaving, however, the doctor took out his glass and swept the shore of the great pond, to nod with satisfaction.
"This is only a sort of bay belonging to the river we are seeking, Joe," he said.

"Look there to the left, and you can see the entrance choked up with reeds." We crept back cautiously, to find Jimmy awaiting our return; and then making a detour towards the lake, we soon reached the river, along whose bank was a well-trodden path, in whose softer parts, besides those of deer, it was plain to see the ugly toes of crocodiles, and the long trail they made as they dragged themselves along.
We did not halt until we had left the crocodile pond a long way behind; but a fine dry, open spot, close to the flashing water of the swift river, was so tempting that we did not go so far as we had intended.
Here a fire was soon lit, and Jimmy sat watching the roasting of the buck with an indescribable look of satisfaction in his countenance; while, eager to try whether it would be possible to add to our provision store at any time from the river, I went on down to the water's edge.
For if there were fish in such abundance in the lagoon, I felt sure that if they would bite there must be plenty in the stream.
My first idea had been to have a bathe in the cool-looking water, but, seeing my intention, the black who had been my companion in the watch, took my hand, led me cautiously along for a short distance, and then pointed to where there was lying, dimly outlined in the thickened water, one of the hideous creatures such as I had seen in the lagoon.
The black then put his wrists together, spread wide his hands, and closed them sharply upon my arm like a pair of jaws, and snatched me sidewise with a good tug.
I was quite satisfied, and nodding and shuddering I joined the doctor, who was ready enough to help me fish.
We soon had our lines ready, and baiting the hooks with pieces of raw meat, we threw out and waited, after the manner of fishermen at home, for a bite.
After a time I examined my bait and threw in again.

Then the doctor examined his and threw in again, but neither of us had the slightest touch, and growing weary we went back to the fire to find the buck sufficiently roasted and Jimmy's eyes standing out of his head with hunger; so we made a hasty meal, left the blacks to finish it, and Jack Penny to rest his long body, while we had another try at the fishing.
But Jack Penny did not care to rest when anything was going on, and after we had been fishing without result for about half an hour he joined us.
"Caught anything ?" he said; and on our replying in the negative, "Here, let me try," he said.
I handed him my line, and he twisted it well round his hand.
"Fish run big, sometimes," he said, nodding his head sagaciously.
"Don't leave your line like that, doctor," he added; "make it fast to that bough." The doctor obeyed, and leaving Jack looking very drowsy and dreamy we two took our guns and started along the river bank, thinking that perhaps we might find something useful for the larder, the heat of the climate rendering it necessary for a supply to be obtained from day to day.
It was a glorious walk past quiet bends of the river that were as still as ponds, and full of red and white lotus plants which shot up their lovely blossoms from amidst their floating liliaceous leaves.

Trees in places overhung the water, and great wreaths of blossom or leaves of dazzling green were reflected on the surface.