136 THE LION. 



or swim the river, which, although narrow, I knew 

 they would be very reluctant to do. 



" I now sat in my saddle anxiously awaiting the 

 arrival of the dogs ; and while thus momentarily 

 disengaged, I was much struck with the majestic 

 and truly appalling appearance which these four 

 noble lions exhibited. They were all full grown 

 immense males, and I felt, I must confess, a little 

 nervous, and very uncertain as to what might be 

 the issue of the attack. 



" When the dogs came up I rode straight in to- 

 wards the lions. They sprang to their feet, and trotted 

 slowly down along the bank of the river, once or 

 twice halting and facing about for half a minute. 

 Immediately below them, there was a small well 

 determined bend of the stream, forming a sort of 

 peninsula. Into this bend they disappeared, and 

 the next moment I was upon them with my dogs. 



"They had taken shelter in a dense angle of the 

 peninsula, well sheltered by high trees and reeds. 

 Into this retreat the dogs at once boldly followed 

 them, making a loud barking, that was instantly 

 followed by the terrible voices of the lions, which 

 turned about and charged to the edge of the cover. 

 Next moment, however, I heard them plunge into 

 the river, when I sprang from my horse, and 

 running to the top of the bank, saw three of the'm 

 ascending the opposite bank, the dogs following. 

 One of them bounded away across the open plain at 

 top speed, but the other two, iinding themselves 

 followed by the dogs, immediately turned to bay. 

 It was now my turn, so taking them coolly right 



