128 



THE HUNTERS ARCADIA. 



ready to be 



the 



tray (the place where 



wagon 

 it was carried on the line of march). 



Although I was not aware that any lions had been 

 seen along our intended line of route for two or 

 three years, yet, as these animals are frequently 

 compelled to change their hunting ground from want 

 of water or scarcity of food, I deemed it desirable 

 that both my companion and self should have all 

 our guns loaded and some surplus ammunition laid 

 -out. 



Another cause for my taking this step was, that 

 from the troubled state of the frontier, arising from 

 there being a big war between Massouw and Moshette 

 on one side, and Moncorani and Monsewa on the other, 

 gunpowder had become too valuable to throw away 

 upon wild beasts ; and as wild animals, in a wondrously 

 quick time, learn where they can or cannot intrude, 

 I thought it was just possible, more especially 

 as game was reported plentiful about the vley we 

 were making for, that His Majesty the King might 

 be interviewed on the road. To welcome him with 

 a royal salute one becoming to his high caste was, 

 therefore, my solicitude. To make such important 

 preparations took quite half-an-hour, after which I 



