To Lake Albert Edward 173 



interests of science at that moment. Three lions ought to have 

 been recorded in our shooting book on November the 14th! 



The next morning quite fresh tracks were recognised in the 

 wet grass in this memorable ravine, which we, of course, followed 

 up. After three hours' stalking we sighted the quarry at 200 

 paces, although the tall grass gave only very fleeting glimpses 

 of the beast. I levelled and aimed, but could not fire as he 

 kept diving down into the grass. As he appeared to be escaping 

 altogether, I fired at last, trusting to luck, and — missed ! 



I was, however, more fortunate the next day. We had found 

 by experience that the rapacious creatures were in the habit of 

 visiting the ravine at early dawn, after their nocturnal prowls. 

 The place fell away in terrace formations from the east, and 

 as it was chiefly from that direction that we heard the roaring 

 at night, we took up our position to the east of the ravine. 

 Raven, Veriter and I spread out, the Askari between us and 

 within sight. As the country in front of us could be overlooked 

 far and wide, no animal could enter or leave the gorge without 

 being observed. Further, a particular signal was agreed upon 

 with the Askari, so that in case of a lion being sighted the 

 nearest marksman could be apprised without delay. I had not 

 waited long at my post at the right end of the deep gorge 

 before I heard the deep growl which had become so familiar 

 to me, at first in the distance, then growing nearer. I decided 

 to climb through the gorge and, if possible, advance to meet 

 the lion. I had hardly reached the other side when a repeated 

 roaring advised me of the right direction, although it was seven 

 o'clock and quite light. Suddenly I saw my fine fellow trotting 

 along through the grass about 300 metres in front of me. I 

 ran towards him as fast as my legs would carry me, accompanied 

 only by my boy, Almas. This manoeuvre succeeded. The lion 

 also started running, and as I caught sight of the upper half 

 of his body, I potted him at 120 paces, causing him to reel 

 to the side for a pace or so, snarling irascibly. I then fired 

 another shot at his rear, which must have penetrated him nearly 

 longitudinally. Badly wounded and almost breaking down, 



