The walk was longer than he thought, for he was tired with the day's toil and was compelled to walk slowly.

When about half-way to the spot he heard a rustling in the tall grass and paused to discover the cause.

Cocking his gun, he tried to pierce the jungle, not fully decided whether the noise were made by man or beast.
A moment later he heard something running away.

It was beyond question a wild animal, frightened at his approach.

He did not get a glimpse of it and was unable to tell what it was like.
"If a beast," he thought, "it is the only one I have met with since landing on the coast." From the rustling it made, it was no doubt small and little to be feared.