chap. in. WHAT TS MAW? 47 



directed our flying steps, and, after a run of a hundred 

 yards, we turned and looked behind us. He had re- 

 gained his feet and was following us slowly. We now 

 experienced the difference of feeling between hunting 

 and being hunted, and fine sport we must have afforded 

 him. 



On he came, but fortunately so stunned by the col- 

 lision with her Majesty's features upon the coin which 

 he had dared to oppose that he could only reel for- 

 ward at a slow canter. By degrees even this pace 

 slackened, and he fell. We were only too glad to be 

 able to reduce our speed likewise, but we had no soonei 

 stopped to breathe, than he was again up and after us, 

 At length, however, we gained the tree, and we be- 

 held him with satisfaction stretched powerless upon 

 the ground, but not dead, within two hundred yards 

 of us. 



We retreated under cover of the forest to the spot 

 at which we had left the horses, fortunately meeting 

 no opposition from wild animals, and we shortly ar- 

 rived at the village at which we took up our quarters, 

 vowing vengeance on the following morning for the 

 defeat that we had sustained. 



A man is a poor defenceless wretch if left to defend 

 himself against wild animals with the simple natural 

 weapons of arms, legs, and teeth. A tom-cat would 

 almost be a match for him. He has legs which will 

 neither serve him for pursuit or escape if he is forced 



