294 



IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA 



CHAP. 



on the alert, as lions, on their way to the waterholes, 

 were roaring- in all directions round our camp. 

 Sometimes, indeed, they gave a low sinister growl 

 quite close at hand, so, as I did not want anyone to 

 be carried off if such an accident could be avoided, 

 I kept a good fire going and two sentries on the 



THE COOK S TENT. 



look-out. Once, while visiting the askaris, I caught 

 a glimpse of one of these lions stalking through 

 the bushes towards the tents ; he saw me, however, 

 and was off again before I had time to cover him 

 with my rifle 



At about 4 a.m. B. seemed to be sleeping quietly 

 and peacefully, so I went to the cook's tent and, 



