Goodenough, I can hear some dogs barking! I did not
know that the native dogs barked."
"Nor do they. They may yelp and howl, but they never bark like
European dogs. What you hear is the bark of some sort of monkey or
baboon."
This opinion was at once confirmed by the Fans.
"We will sally out with our guns at once," Mr. Goodenough said.
"I don't like the thought of shooting monkeys," Frank muttered, as
he took up his Winchester carbine.
"They are very excellent eating," Mr. Goodenough continued, "superior
in my opinion, and, indeed, in that of most travelers, to any other
meat. We shall meet with no other kind of creature fit for food
up here. The birds, indeed, supply us amply, but for the men it is
desirable that we should obtain fresh meat when we have the chance.
These baboons are very mischievous creatures, and are not to be
attacked with impunity. Let four of the Houssas with their guns
come with us."
Following the direction of the sounds they had heard, the travelers
came upon a troupe of great baboons. It was a curious sight. The males
were as big as large dogs, some were sitting sunning themselves on
rocks, others were being scratched by the females.
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