104 DAYS AND NIGHTS BY THE DESERT. 



The yell that the mother of Leo and Juno had 

 given utterance to had made its impression, and one 

 evidently not immediately to be forgotten ; for the 

 little beasts fought with teeth and claws with such 

 vindictiveness, that it was not without much difficulty 

 they were conveyed to the camp. 



If their conduct had been bad before, it was 

 worse now, for the sight or approach of one of my 

 dogs or oxen immediately drove them into a 

 paroxysm of rage that from its intensity threatened 

 to terminate their lives. 



For the better security of my prizes, I had them 

 placed in a large packing-case, the top of which 

 was secured by numerous strong lengths of hoop- 

 iron, to prevent the possibility of the youngsters' 

 escape. 



Soon after I sat down to breakfast, and scarcely 

 had I commenced my meal, when I saw my pet baboon 

 stealthily coming along the back of my waggon. 

 Mischief and curiosity were alike blended in his eye 

 and manner ; so, knowing this gentleman's habits 

 as well as I did my own, without moving, I watched 

 his actions. 



The case in which the young lions were secured 

 was evidently the object that he desired to scrutinize, 

 for, whatever had been the last work myself or 

 attendants had been engaged upon, Mr. Baboon 

 ever considered it incumbent on him, immediately 

 we left the scene, to critically inspect our labours 



