Harper's Young People, March 2, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly

The story transports listeners to the heart of an untamed African river valley, where a seasoned traveler and his Portuguese ivory‑trading companion navigate dense jungle, buzzing birds, and curious monkeys. Recovered from a debilitating fever, the narrator recounts how the constant challenges of the wilderness have honed his marksmanship and steadied his nerves, turning every encounter with lions, hippos, and towering reeds into a pulse‑quickening test of skill and composure.

When supplies dwindle, he decides to hunt for fresh meat, slipping ashore with four native guides, including the vigilant Nacko, whose calm bravery has saved him before. The vivid chase through thickets culminates in a tense moment at the river’s edge, where a deer steps into the clearing and the hunter must decide whether to seize the opportunity. The episode captures the raw excitement of frontier life, the fragile balance between danger and triumph, and the deep bonds forged in the wild.