-^ The Capturing of a Lion 



had recourse to strong cord, which I made into a lasso. 

 It was wonderful, when I caught the head of the prisoner 

 in the noose, to see him grip it with his teeth and to watch 

 the thick rope fall to pieces as if cut with a pair of scissors 

 after a few quick, angry bites. During this trial I made a 

 false step on the smooth, grassy ground, so well known to 

 African explorers, and was within a hair's breadth of falling 



A TRAPPED LION. 



I HKAKD HIM ROARING AT A DISTANCE OF A MILE 

 AND A HALF. 



into the clutches of the raging beast had not my good 

 taxidermist happily dragged me back. After various further 

 efforts, during which my people were constantly taking 

 fright, I at length succeeded in fastening the head as well 

 as the paws of the beast. With the help of the branches 

 the body was laid prostrate on the ground, a gag was 

 inserted between the teeth, the prisoner was released from 



493 



