CHAPTER XII
A Fearful Sight
On the bank not far away were at least fifteen large alligators, theirhideous jaws partly open as they basked in the hot sun. Frequently onewould plunge into the water to cool itself, and then there would be aterrific splashing about.
As soon as possible, the Indians stopped the boats, and the explorersviewed the creatures with a terrible awe. Here was their firstencounter with the wild life of Brazil. Here, not far away, were someof the most terrible reptiles of South America.
For some time the alligators did not seem to notice the humaninvaders. Then they one by one crawled off the bank and sank a fewinches beneath the water.
"Evidently don't care for our company," said Joe in a low tone. He hadbrought the movie camera to his shoulder and was taking in theunusual sight.
It was thought best not shoot any of the reptiles for fear of causingan undue commotion. Then, too, it would prove difficult to get thevictims in the boat with so many others around.
In a short time no traces of the creatures were left, and the Indiansagain turned to the paddles.
"Is it safe to go on?" asked Joe.
"Yes," the professor replied. "They probably won't attack the boats.And if they should they could do little or no damage to the stouthulls."
For a few seconds he conversed with the Indians. Then the partyresumed the journey, keeping a close watch about.
No more was seen of the alligators, and the explorers again werequiet. But now they were more anxious than ever before, for the pastexperience had stirred their sporting blood and made them long for ajaunt in the forest. Even Professor Bigelow was affected, and he satfingering his rifle as if awaiting another such incident.
"Alligators and crocodiles are very much alike," said Mr. Lewis,wishing to break the silence. "The only difference is in the canineteeth. In the alligator they fit into pits in the upper jaw; in thecrocodile they fit into notches. Otherwise they look alike."
"Which is the most ferocious?" inquired Joe, thoroughly interested.
"Scarcely any difference," his father returned. "Both are bad enoughwhen they're after you."
For a time the adventurers paddled near the center of the river, inorder to avoid heavy piles of brush that lay near the shore's edge.They did not feel like talking. The mid-afternoon sun beat down uponthem until they were dripping with perspiration. Why, even summerFlorida weather was nothing to this!
The water glistened like silver. It was almost impossible even to casteyes upon it, for the reflection of the sun was extremely blinding.
For entertainment and amusement the boys' fathers and ProfessorBigelow related some of their experiences, which Bob and Joe nevergrew tired of hearing. The naturalists told of encounters with wildanimals; the professor, of savage people. Bob and Joe sat in silence,marveling that before long they could tell of happenings probably asmuch or more breath-taking.
Suddenly, as they neared a patch of bright red bushes, Mr. Holtoncalled to the Indians to stop the boat.
"What is it?" asked Bob, and then his gaze followed that of hisfather.
Not far away on a low branch was a large oriole, almost the size of acrow, with a red and white bill, and yellow, green, and brown plumage.It uttered not a word, although no one doubted that it could.
"We must have that bird," whispered Mr. Holton. "It is rather rare,and few of them are in museums. Keep quiet now, while I get a smallgun."
The others obeyed. The naturalist found a suitable shotgun. He raisedit to his shoulder, took careful aim, and pulled the trigger.
The next moment there was a terrible screeching and wailing. The birdfluttered about for a brief second, then fell into the water.
"You got him," said Bob joyously. "You----Well, of all things!"
The reason for his exclamation was not far to seek. No sooner had thebird struck the water than a rather small fish darted to the surface,caught the bird by the breast, and bit it in two. It evidently didnot like the taste, however, for the remains of the bird's body wereleft to float on the water.
"Stung!" exclaimed Mr. Holton, regaining his breath. "The piranhasspoiled the chance of getting that specimen."
"So that fish was a piranha?" asked Joe, looking to see if he couldlocate it in the dark water.
"Yes," Mr. Lewis returned. "They're mean creatures, all right. Got atemper like a bull. They'll attack anything from jaguars to people,and they usually do the job right. I once heard of a man devoured bythem in a very short time."
"It wasn't very large," said Bob. "Looked about like a pickerel tome."
"It isn't their size," his father returned. "It's their ferocity--andstrong, sharp teeth."
"Let's don't worry about the bird," consoled the professor. "We'llprobably see more of them later on."
The naturalists resolved to follow the professor's advice and regardthe matter as one of the many discouragements that could be expectedat almost any time.
"After all, we didn't lose much," said Mr. Lewis. "But then--butthen----"
As they paddled on, signs of life became more frequent. Once there wasa small flock of bright red birds, and the naturalists had more luckin bringing them in as specimens. None was shot near the river; onlythose on shore were aimed at. A little later they saw the firstmonkeys since they had turned down this river. They had often heardthe little creatures in the depths of the jungle, but had never beensuccessful in getting a glimpse of them.
Along toward evening Mr. Lewis suggested that they go ashore and pitchcamp for the night. His friends agreed, and after making sure that theIndians were willing, he gave the word and the boats were turned intoa little cove, where they were tied to a stout tree.
"Plenty of room around here," observed Bob, as he got out andstretched his legs. "No trees within a radius of several score feet.Ought to be fairly good protection against night marauders."
The tents and poles were untied, and after locating a suitable sitethe stakes were driven to the ground, the poles hoisted, and thehammocks hung.
Then a bountiful supper was prepared, and the party ate hungrily. Boband Joe especially partook of large quantities, for their appetiteswere those of youth.
After the meal the explorers sat in a group, chatting merrily. Eventhe Indians took part in the conversation, answering many of thewhites' questions about the jungles they were passing through. Bob andJoe had trouble in understanding them, but their fathers translatedwhenever there was any difficulty.
A little later, darkness fell suddenly, and with it came the chill ofnight.
"Seems strange that the nights should be so cool when the days are sohot," remarked Bob, going into the tent for a coat.
"Does at that," said Mr. Lewis. "But it's true of all tropicalplaces."
Soon the sky became dotted with countless numbers of twinkling stars.Soon afterwards the moon came out in full splendor, flooding theboundless expanse with enchanting light, and casting a reflection onthe water beautiful beyond description.
The explorers were filled with awe as they sat staring into the vastjungle, thrilled that they were the only inhabitants on this wildshore.
For some time no one spoke. Then Mr. Holton rose and looked at hiswatch.
"Getting late," he said, walking over to a box of supplies.
"Yes," agreed Professor Bigelow. "I suggest that we turn in."
The others agreed, and they attended to last-minute tasks.
"Ordinarily it is the Indians' duty to stand guard," said Mr. Lewis,glancing at the brawny crew, several of whom had fallen asleep. "Butsince they've worked hard and unflinchingly, and are nearly worn out,I suggest that we whites take turn about on this first night. We'vehad it comparatively easy all day. Then, too, it will increase theirrespect and liking for us. What do you think?"
"I'm all for it," declared Professor Bigelow. "Now who is to have thefirst watch?"
It was decided to draw straws, the person getting the shortest to bethe first guard.
By chance the short piece
fell to Bob, and he took his place justoutside the tents, sitting on one of the boxes, a rifle in readygrasp. The others retired to their hammocks.
For over a half-hour Bob stared quietly into space, glancingoccasionally at the sparkling river. Then he decided to change hisposition.
But at that moment there came a crashing sound on the far side of agroup of palm trees.
The youth was on his feet at the instant, wondering what the noisemeant. Then he decided to find out.
"It's only a short distance from camp," he thought. "There's no harmin going over there."
Grasping his rifle, he stole quietly in the direction of the strangecommotion.
It did not take him long to reach the patch of trees. Then he wormedhis way through the tall grass for a distance of perhaps twenty feet.
The next instant he shrank back, for the sight that met his eyes wasfearful and repulsive.