I98 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



doubtless the greatest sufferers from lions, as they 

 are unquestionably their favourite food. 



On inspecting the place where the young heifer 

 had been pulled down, I found a large mirouli tree, 

 easy to climb, and, from the spread of its branches at 

 the fork, exactly suited for the building of a mac/iau, 

 so I at once ordered the calf to be taken back to 

 where it had been struck down, and a suitable plat- 

 form erected for myself, to enable me to keep guard 

 over it, in case her ladyship thought fit to return. Sun- 

 day had a like perch made a few feet over my head, 

 the object of this being that, if I should fall asleep, 

 or not see the approach of the game, he should warn 

 me by a string attached to my wrist. Although 

 there was no moon, the night was wonderfully clear 

 at first, from the innumerable stars that decorated 

 the firmament. Unfortunately, however, later on, 

 clouds drifted up from the south-east and banked 

 overhead, which partially obscured the heavens. 

 Jackals and hyaenas soon found out my bait, but 

 kept at a respectful distance, only testifying to their 

 anxiety for a good meal by repeated yelps and 

 howls. This was exactly what I desired ; the voices 

 of these carrion feeders would bring the lioness, or, 

 better still, as they seemed loth to come close, her 

 majesty might be at the moment close at hand, and 

 so they dreaded rough treatment from her, if they 

 took liberties with her prey. 



In spite of all the attractiveness of such a scene 



