158 ROOSEVELT'S EXPERIENCE IN THE JUNGLE. 



been consummated, would have snuffed out the life of the helpless 

 native like a candle. 



But that leap it never was to take! 



The former President was advancing along a line at an acute 

 angle to the beast's path, but on the animal's right, so that his 

 heart could not be reached. His head, too, was down in the tall 

 grass, thus destroying any chance for an accurate aim. 



And that shot must be accurate or a man's life would pay the 

 forfeit. 



With that quick decision for which he is famous, Roosevelt 

 threw his rifle to his shoulder and, aiming at the only other vulner- 

 able spot, the spine, split it with one ball. 



The beater's life was saved. 



Most marvellous of all, the shot that killed Col. Roosevelt's 

 third lion w^as made while the Ex-President was on a run. 



Small wonder that the natives called him The L^ion Slayer. 



