THE ARAB^S STORY OF A BOAR. 



but he appeared restless, as if he knew some enemy was 

 at hand, for every now and then raising his snout he sniffed 

 the air. I marveled at these movements, for as the breeze 

 came from the quarter opposite my position, I knew I 

 could not be an object of the boar's suspicions. 



6. "Now, however, I distinctly heard a slight noise 

 near the edge of the marsh. The boar became evidently 

 uneasy, and I heard him say in a clear voice for you 

 must know they were formerly men ( I hope there is no 

 treachery ! ' This he repeated once or twice, and began 

 to root. 



7. "Keeping a sharp lookout on the spot whence I 

 heard the strange noise, I fancied I could distinguish the 

 grim and shaggy head of a lion crouching upon his fore- 

 paws, and with eyes that glared like lighted charcoal 

 through the bushes he seemed peering at the movements 

 of the boar. I looked again, and now I could perceive a 

 lion creeping cat-like on his belly as he neared the boar, 

 who was busy rooting, but with bristles erect, and now 

 and then muttering something I could not understand. 



8. " The lion had crept within about twenty feet of 

 the boar, but was hidden in part by some bushes. I wait- 

 ed breathless for the result ; and although myself out of 

 danger, I trembled with anxiety at the terrible scene that 

 was about to take place. 



9. " The boar again raised his snout and half turned 

 his side to the lion, and I fancied I could see his eye 

 twinkle as he watched the enemy. Another moment, and 

 the lion made a spring, and was received by the boar, who 

 reared upon his hind-legs. I thought I could hear the 

 blows of his tusks as the combatants rolled upon the 

 ground. Leaning over the rock, I strained my eyes to 

 see the result. 



10. " To my surprise the boar was again upon his legs, 



