T, 



THE LIOV. 



in the act of springing on him, and pulled the 

 trigger; but at the instant the hunter fired, his 

 horse, whose bridle was round his arm, started 

 back, and caused him to miss his aim. The lion 

 bounded forward, but stopped within a few paces, 

 confronting Diedrich, who stood defenceless, his 

 gun discharged, and his horse running away. The 

 man and the beast stood for a short time looking 

 each other in the face. At length the lion moved 

 backwards, as if to go away. Diedrich began to 

 reload his gun ; the lion, looking over his shoulder, 

 growled and returned. Diedrich stood still. The 

 lion again moved cautiously off, and the Boer pro- 

 ceeded to ram down the bullet. The lion once 

 more looked back and growled angrily ; and this 

 occurred repeatedly, until the animal had got to 

 some distance, when he took fairly to his heels, 

 and bounded away. 



There can be no doubt that in this instance 

 the resolution of Diedrich saved his life ; for had he 

 exhibited the least sign of fear, or given way an 

 inch, the savage beast would have instantly sprung 

 on him, and torn him to pieces. 



The encounter of Gert Schepers, a Boer of the 

 Cradock district, with a lion had, however, a less 

 fortunate result. Gert was out hunting with a 

 neighbour, and coming to a fountain surrounded 

 with high reeds, he handed his gun to his comrade 

 whilst he proceeded in search of water, but he had 

 no sooner approached the pool than an enormous 

 lion sprang up close to his side and seized him by 

 the left arm. The man, thus taken by surprise, 



