SPORT IN MOZAMBIQUE 



four pigs killed and many wounded ; the beast had 

 escaped by forcing two palings. A little of his hair 

 left in the breach indicated his passage. I had for- 

 gotten to ascertain the time, and did not know whether 

 it would soon be day. To spend the night in this 

 place, where the mosquitoes are in legions, is impossible. 

 On the other hand, after our departure, the beast 

 may return and recommence the massacre. I accord- 

 ingly resort to the following stratagem : I draw forth 

 the carcase of a pig and place it outside, facing the point 

 of exit of the beast. If the leopard returns, it will 

 find this victim and drag it into some bush to devour. 

 In the morning we will take up the track, and if we 

 cannot shoot the robber, will set a trap by what 

 remains of his victim and so capture him. 



Matters happened in this manner. In the morning 

 we find that the bait had been dragged away ; we 

 accordingly follow the groove made in the soil as the 

 carcase was dragged away and enter a vast reed-brake, 

 when on a sudden one of the men in advance calls 

 out to me : " Bondolo " (a lion). I look, and can 

 scarcely believe my eyes. Yes, it is in truth a lioness 

 which had attacked the enclosure ; its tracks are 

 clearly impressed in the damp soil. 



I consider that in the thicket where we are it would 

 be dangerous to follow the animal, as one could not 

 fire if attacked, and we accordingly return to the 

 yard. I cause all the fences and the roof to be covered 

 with thorny boughs, leaving only a passage leading 



(84) 



