ENCOUNTER ^VITH A LION. 247 



with our horses, now amounted to one hundred and 

 eleven, not counting our lame oxen, which we determ- 

 ined to leave with Mahura. 



On the 3d of May we again inspanned, and held on 

 beyond the Hart River. The country to the west was 

 not frequented by the game, and here the grass was 

 tall and rank, and covers of considerable size of thorn- 

 trees and gray-leaved bushes were scattered over the 

 landscape : it was a still and secluded spot. I observed 

 several vultures soaring over one of these covers within 

 a quarter of a mile of the wagons, and, thinking it very 

 probable that they were attracted by some lion devour- 

 ing his prey, I ordered a couple of horses to be saddled 

 and rode toward the place, with one after-rider and 

 about a dozen of my dogs. I was right in my con- 

 jecture ; for, as I cantered along, I had the satisfaction 

 to behold a majestic old black-maned lion walking along 

 parallel to me, and within a hundred yards. He had 

 not yet observed me : he looked so dark, that at the 

 first glance I mistook him in the long grass for a blue 

 wildebeest ; next moment, however, he turned his large, 

 full, imposing face to me, and I knew that it was he 

 Shouting to the dogs with all my might, I at once 

 dashed toward him, followed by my after-rider at a re- 

 spectful distance carrying ray rifle. 



The lion, as I expected, was panic-stricken, and took 

 to his heels, bounding through the long grass at top 

 speed. The dogs went at him in gallant style, I follow- 

 ing not far behind them, and yelling to encourage my 

 pack. The lion, finding we had the speed of him, re- 

 duced his pace to a sulky trot, and the dogs now came 

 up and followed, barking within a few yards on each 

 side of him. In half a minute more I had passed ahead 

 and halted my horse for a shot ; but, looking round for 



