Once a herd of heavy buffaloes started up before us and crashed through the undergrowth; and at last, as we drew near a great tree, the doctor said, pointing upward: "No fear of our wanting food, Joe, while there are such birds as these." As he spoke, with a noise like a whirlwind a flock of great pigeons took flight--great fellows, three times as big as ordinary pigeons, and, as we knew from those shot in Australia, splendid eating.
The great tree offered so pleasant a camping place that we decided to pass the night there, and after a look round to see if there was likely to be danger lurking near, the fire was lit, the blacks setting to work at once to collect wood when they had put down their burdens.

Then food was prepared and a hearty meal enjoyed, the restful sensation that came over us after the day's exertion being most delicious.

Then one by one our followers dropped asleep, Jack Penny, who was still rather grumpy, last.
The doctor and I were sitting together by the fire that night, talking in a low voice about our plans, and agreeing that we could not do better than wander on and on through the wilds until we learned some tidings of the lost man, when suddenly my companion laid his finger on his lips and bent forward as if listening.
I listened too, thinking the while how strange it all looked about us, with the fire casting weird shadows all around, while the silence now was almost appalling.
"Nothing, Joe," said the doctor, dropping his hand.

"I thought I heard something." "I'm sure I did," I whispered, with a strange feeling upon me that it would be dangerous to speak aloud.
"There are curious sounds heard sometimes in forests," he said thoughtfully.

"There, go on--what were we talking about ?" As he spoke there was a strange rushing noise, then a peculiar whining sound not far distant among the trees.
"What can that be, doctor ?" I whispered.
"Can't say, Joe.