A GRAND SIGHT. 99 



ing on the height. I ans\yered "Yes;" but I kne\7 

 very well that zebras would not be capering around the 

 carcass of a rhinoceros. I quickly arranged my blank- 

 ets, pillow, and guns in the hole, and then lay down to 

 feast my eyes on* the interesting sight before me. It 

 was bright m.oonlight, as clear as I need wish, and with- 

 in one nio;ht of beinsf full moon. There were six large 



DO o 



lions, about twelve or fifteen hysenas, and from twenty 

 to thirty jackals, feasting on and around the carcasses 

 of the three rhinoceroses. The lions feasted peacefully, 

 but the hyaenas and jackals fought over every mouth- 

 ful, and chased one another round and round the car- 

 casses, growling, laughing, screeching, chattering, and 

 howling without any intermission. The hyaenas did 

 not seem afraid of the lions, although they always gavo 

 way before them ; for I observed that they followed them. 

 in the most disrespectful manner, and stood laughing, 

 one or two on either side, when any lions came after 

 their comrades to examine pieces of skin or bones which 

 they were dragging away. I had lain watching this 

 banquet for about three hours, in the strong hope that, 

 when the lions had feasted, they would come and drink. 

 Two black and two white rhinoceroses had made theii 

 appearance, but, scared by the smell of the blood, they 

 had made off. 



At length the lions seemed satisfied. They all walk- 

 ed about with their heads up, and seemed to be think- 

 ing about the water; and in two minutes one of them 

 turned his face toward me, and came on. He was im- 

 mediately followed by a second lion, and in half a min- 

 ute by the remaining four. It was a decided and gen- 

 eral move ; they were all coming to drink right bang in 

 my face, within fifteen yards of me. 



T charged the unfortunate, pale, an(' anting Klein- 



