THE ABSENT LION 



large ant-hill. There was a little thorn scrub some 

 twenty yards away, and my host reckoned that if there 

 were any lions in the bush they could break away across 

 this open space and make for the small kopje close to 

 the house. 



Stationed with me was a Masai spearman, a fine 

 youngster of about twenty-one years of age, who had 

 already killed a Hon single-handed. Near by Hill 

 himself was waiting on horseback, his idea being 

 that when the lions appeared — they were sure to be 

 distinctly annoyed and quite ready to cause trouble- 

 he should get them to chase him past me. It sounded 

 all right ; and yet, somehow, I could not help reflecting 

 on what might happen if instead of going after Hill 

 they turned aside to see what I was doing. Still, I 

 disguised my feelings, put the best face on it I could, 

 and waited. In the end, however, though several 

 buck came out, there was no sign of a lion. 



The next day we went back to the kopje, and 

 resumed our weary search amongst the rocks and 

 dongas. We had not gone very far when I received 

 a most unpleasant shock. Seeing a large bird's nest, 

 I reached up to it, intending to feel if there were any 

 young in it. My hand was just level with the entrance 

 to the nest when out slid a venomous snake. It was a 

 lesson to me, and I have never since tried similar 

 experiments. I am very careful now about looking 

 first. 



133 



