Lion-bait 
that poor beast by legs, tail, ears, and even the 
skin. At least a dozen of my twenty boys were 
mixed up in the fray, and by their combined 
efforts the donkey was on terra firma once more, 
and on the desired side of the stream. I was so 
sorry for her and for her evident distress at 
leaving her foal that I sent her back with two 
of my boys to Umtali, where she arrived in due 
course. She travelled as gaily as possible on her 
homeward track, and was going surprisingly fast 
when I lost sight of her. Donkeys are an excel- 
lent bait for lions, for these beasts are extremely 
partial to them, and will dare a great deal to 
obtain their favourite food. I had meant to 
build a “scherm” or hut of stakes, put the 
donkey within, and sit up myself to look after 
her, and at the same time any lions who might 
attempt to get a meal cheaply. My plans, 
however, were frustrated by the donkey herself, 
who would have none of me or my schemes. 
99 
