THE RAINY SEASON 



to the gap through which the lioness escaped ; while 

 on the further side of the trap already set I place the 

 carcase of another pig. I feel sure that the lioness 

 will return, for pork presents such an attraction to 

 these robbers that they find it irresistible. 



The following night a brute of a hyaena repairs to 

 the trap, and the day is spent in alarms caused by the 

 negroes, who pretend they have seen the lion. On 

 the night of the 20th-21st, at five o'clock in the 

 morning, one of the watchers rushed in to tell us that 

 the beast is taken. We descend immediately, well 

 armed and provided with a lanterti. From the 

 station of the watchers we hear the lioness growling 

 fiercely. We enter the pig-sty, endeavouring to see 

 her, but it is impossible ; it is too dark, and we must 

 await the dawn before firing. As soon as it is suffi- 

 ciently light to see the sight of a rifle we return to the 

 yard. I leave to Puech, who has never yet killed a 

 lion, the honour of the first shot. So soon as the 

 lioness catches sight of us, she makes a furious charge, 

 but she falls immediately, struck by a Mannlicher 

 ball in the neck. 



Just as we are making preparations to remove the 

 skin, the terrified negroes rush in and say that a 

 lion is roaring. We repair to the spot indicated, 

 and distinctly hear amid the tall grass an animal in 

 flight. It is the inconsolable spouse, which, during 

 three days and as many nights has circled round the 

 concession, proclaiming the death of his mate to all the 



(85) 



