piet's performance with lions. 343 



outside his door, which was constructed so as to shut in two 

 parts. The lower division was closed, but the upper was 

 left open on account of the oppressive state of the atmos- 

 phere. Quietly taking up his gun, Piet stole softly to the 

 door, expecting to meet with a hyaena, as he knew that one 

 of these beasts was in the habit of harassing the goat-kids, 

 which, for better security, he had kraaled against the wall 

 of the house. His amazement, however, was great when, 

 instead of a hyaena, a lion stood before him. Without losing 

 his presence of mind, he poked the muzzle of his piece against 

 the animal's head and blew out its brains. 



Again : Riding along one morning in a very weak state, 

 having just recovered from a severe fever, a lion suddenly 

 rushed at him. The ox became frightened, and threw the 

 old man. One of his feet was caught in the stirrup ; but, 

 fortunately, the " veld" shoe slipped off, " I know," said the 

 veteran hunter, "I was thrown, and that I got on my legs 

 again, but in what manner is quite a mystery to me this day. 

 I called, as loud as my feeble voice permitted, to my people 

 to bring a gun, the lion always getting nearer and nearer, 

 until he stood within arm's length. I once or twice tried to 

 pull out my pistol or tnj sword-knife, which, as you know, 

 I usually carry about with me, but in my anxiety I missed 

 them. My jacket was lying just in front of me on the ground, 

 but the brute had one of his paws on it. I felt desperate, 

 however, and, pulling it forcibly away, struck the lion on the 

 head, when he grinned and growled terribly, and I expected 

 every moment he would tear me to pieces. At this junc- 

 ture, my Damara, who fortunately had heard my cries of 

 distress, came running up with my gun. Taking the piece 

 from the man, I fired at the lion, who had retreated a few 

 paces, where he sat quietly looking at me. I don't know 

 whether I hit him, for what with the sudden fright, and 

 my weak constitution, I felt very unsteady. Be that as it 

 may, it had, at all events, the effect of scaring him away, 



