Crocodile Keeps Following Riverboat, Then Passenger Notices What’s On Its Back

Approaching the bend

Mara brought the Silver Heron carefully toward the bend, keeping close to the bank where the overhanging trees offered some cover. The crocodile slid forward beside them, almost as a guide now, no longer leading but accompanying. The meerkat shifted on its back, sitting up taller, as if it sensed something was coming.