-> A Lion-Hunt 



owing to the anxiety of my men to get out of the " Plain 

 of Lions," and to the way in which they hung together 

 like sheep. Within fifteen minutes, as is the way in 

 the tropics, it was quite dark, and two hours went by 

 before we reached camp, half owing to a lucky chance. I 

 had to march at the head of my little caravan all the 

 time. 



When at last, however, we reached our goal all our 

 troubles were forgotten, and we gave way to our feelings 

 of joy. By the light of the camp-fire the skin was spread 

 out, to be cleaned next morning. Four sentries kept 

 watch all that night, but although lions were to be heard 

 roaring in the distance, nothing happened of any im- 

 portance. 



Next morning a deputation of my men came to salute 

 me and christen me with pomp and ceremony. I was 

 dubbed " Bwana Sinba " ("The Lion-Lord "), instead of 

 " Bwana ndege " ("The Bird-Lord"), which appellation 

 I had acquired on the coast, because I shot birds (often 

 on the wing, to the astonishment of the natives) and 

 collected their skins. 



On the stock of my trusty rifle, supplied, like all my 

 weapons, by Altmeister Reeb of Bonn, I inscribed the 

 words, " Three lions, 25 Jan. 97." 



Fresh messages went now to Fort Smith. To Mr. 

 Hall I wrote again, now recommending him in my turn 

 to come and hunt lions in this neighbourhood ; and as 

 I intended to remain for a few days, some additional 

 provisions were forwarded from Port Smith for my carriers. 

 Mr. Hall himself was unable to avail himself of my 



375 



