152 ROOSEVELT'S EXPERIENCE IN THE JUNGLE. 



paratlon and of the climate change. Their indisposition was not 

 serious. 



The Colonel shot a couple of bucks during the day, but they 

 were not particularly good specimens. However, he got real satis- 

 faction from hearing lions roaring all through the night, a promise 

 of better sport to come, and he did not chafe at the enforced delay 

 as much as might be expected from a man of his temperament. 



The fact that all hands must be fully acclimatized was being 

 more and more impressed on everyone, as only in that manner 

 could their arduous program be carried out. 



ANTICIPATIONS TO SOON REACH FULFILMENT. 



But the intrepid Roosevelt could not long remain inactive. 

 Hardly waiting for the first effect of the African lassitude to wear 

 off, he was eagerly planning for the great feat over which he had 

 dreamed for years. 



He wanted to kill a lion ! 



None bur the most majestic beast of the jungle would satisfy 

 him. 



^o slay a lion he was determined, and his restless spirit could 

 not brook delay, especially as he lay in bed and heard the deep 

 booming roar of the king of beasts as it rang out on the air, night 

 after night. 



He was counselled to go slow and to test his aim first on game 

 where a miss would be less disastrous, but to' no avail. 



"Now is as good as any time," he would reply. "Bring on your 

 lions!" 



Accordingly, the party soon was hurried into motion. 



The caravan started early Thursday morning from the ranch 

 of Sir Alfred Pease and proceeded slowly in the Mau Hills. This 

 range is open for wide areas, but in places is covered with dense 

 growths, where game is plentiful. 



The first night in camp was widiout special incident, no 

 attempt being made to go after lions, although their call was heard 

 now and then during the course of the night, but at dawn the camp 

 was ttstir, and the drive speedily organized. 



