Many of these
had a baby monkey clinging on their necks, while others were playing
about in all directions.
"I'd rather not shoot at them, Mr. Goodenough," Frank said.
"You will be glad enough to eat them," Mr. Goodenough answered, and
selecting a big male he fired. The creature fell dead. The others
all sprang to their feet. The females and little ones scampered
off. The males, with angry gestures, rushed upon their assailants,
barking, showing their teeth, and making menacing gestures. Mr.
Goodenough fired again, and Frank now, seeing that they were likely
to be attacked, also opened fire. Six of the baboons were killed
before the others abstained from the attack and went screaming after
the females. The dead baboons were brought down, skinned, and two
were at once roasted, the others hung up to trees. It required a
great effort on Frank's part to overcome his repugnance to tasting
these creatures, but, when he did so, he admitted that the meat
was excellent.
That night they were disturbed by a cry of terror from the men.
Seizing their rifles they ran out.
"There are two leopards, sar," Ostik said; "they have smelt the
monkeys."
The shouts scared the creatures away, and the natives kept up a
great fire till morning.
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