A STARTLING VISIT. 47 



But the lion had also been badly hurt, and, as Orak lay in that frightful 

 position, he felt the warm, crimson drops from the king of beasts, as they dripped 

 upon his breast and shoulders, while the muttering growls proved that he had his 

 share of pain. 



Orak did not dare move, for he knew the instant he made the attempt he would 

 be crushed by a blow from one of those paws that were powerful enough to smash 

 the skull of an ox, as though it were a rotten apple. 



He remained motionless, aware even in that awful situation that his friends had 

 rushed to his help and that his only hope was in them ; if they failed, he was doomed. 





