The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-05-11
An Adventure with an Hippopotamus

We had been some nine months from
home, and were nearly out of wood.
Sailing lazily down the Mozambique
Channel, but seeing no signs of sperm
whales, we arrived at the Bazasetta
Islands, whittier the captain had deter
mined to go in search of stock of wood.
These isles are situated in the Mozam-
bique, at but short distances from the
mainland of Africa. They are thickly
wooded, and but sparsely inhabited, both
which circumstances contributed, in the
present instance, to make them a favor
lite place of resort for our captain.
We sailed into the little bay formed
by the islands and the neighboring main
land, about seven o'clock one morning and
after coming to anchor, furling sails, and
clearing a space in the hold for the re-
.ception of the wood, took axes to the mates
boat, and proceeded to an inspection of
the facilities for cutting and boating
OFF firewood afforded by the different lit
tie islets.
1t must be promised here that our ship
lay at the distance of about two and a
half miles from the mainland, the differ
ent isles being from half mile to three
miles distant
To cut supply of wood for a whaling
cruise is work requiring some days, and
often weeks; and it had been determined
that the first, aud, if need be, the next
day likewise, should be devoted to thor
ough inspection of the facilities of the
place, in order that we might work at as
little disadvantage as possible. Conse-
quently we-the mates boats crew-had
been ordered to prepare for general
cruise. We provided ourselves with a
store of bread and beef, filled the beaker
with water, spread our sail to the light
breeze, and pointed our boat to the near
est island
Landing her, we found nought but a
wilderness of low jungle, which was
scarcely penetrable, together with poor
landing. We examined three or four OF the
isIets, and having at last fixed upon suit
able place where to commence operations,
were about to return ON board, when the
mate said, Trim aft, Tom there's good
breeze, fair coming and going, and We'll
take look at the mainland"
Accordingly the boats head was laid
shoreward, and we spread ourselves at
full length upon the thwarts, enjoying an
unusual treat of some cigars, which our
chief officer had good naturally brought
with him.
When within about mile aud half of
the mainland, we found the water shoaling,
being then not more than three fathoms-
eighteen fee,-deep.
81 saw black skin glisten in the sun
just then" said the boat-steerer who was
aft, the mate having stretched himself
upon the bow thwart TO take nap.
at was nothing but a putting pig"
said he, drowsily.
''There it is again, and no putting pig,
either, nor porpoise, nor-no," said he,
with some degree of animation, NOR any
thing else that wears black skin, that l
ever saw before"
This had the effect Of rousing US up,
every one casting his eyes ahead to catch
sight Of the questionable "black skin"
'.There he blows-and there again
and over here, too" said several voices in
succession.
ut amt spout at all, boys; let's pull
and see what il Is"
We took 70 our oars and the boat was
soon darting forward at good speed to-
ward the place where we had last seen
the object of our curiosity.
sStern all y suddenly shouted the mate.
as the boat brought up "all standing
against some object we had not been able
to see on account of the murkiness of the
water, the collision nearly throwing US
down into the bottom of the boat.
As we backed off, an enormous beast
slowly raised his head above the water,
gave loud snort, and incontinently
sank down again, almost before we could
get fair look at It.
sWhat is it7'' was now the question
which no one could answer.
"Whatever il is said the mate, whose
whaling blood was up, IF it comes within
reach OF my iron, I'll make fast to it; so
pull ahead"
We were again under Roadway, keeping
bright LOOKOUT for the appearance OF
the stranger.
There they are, a whole shoslr said
the mate, eagerly pointing in shore, where
the glistening of the white water showed
that number of the nondescripts were
evidently enjoying themselves. "Ncw,
boys, pull hard, and well soon try their
mettle."
sThere's something broke water just
ahead said the boat steerer.
~Pull easy, lads. | see him. There
way enough there his back