A TRYING NIGHT. 153 



"all there." William vowed that their shrieks would 

 bring the old lions upon us. My followers supported 

 him in his belief, and one cowardly wretch, whose 

 lue seemed alone to consist in eating and sleep- 

 more than any two of his comrades, in the 

 most unblushing, cheeky manner, proposed turning 

 the babies loose. This man had his supporters, but 

 I crushed this rebellious symptom at the start, by 

 reminding them, in gentle, persuasive language, that 

 I was " boss " of the camp, adding, by way of paren- 

 thesis, that I would chuck the first man, bag and 

 baggage, over the fence that attempted to release 

 the captives. This harangue had a gratifying effect. 

 Still the little termagants kept up their disturbance 

 with unabated vigour, and endeavoured to their 

 utmost to make their infantile throats utter sounds 

 as threatening and loud as their elders. 



The goat did not afford a lengthened repast, 

 for ten minutes after it had been deported the 

 sound of feeding ceased. Another visit to the 

 camp, to obtain a further addition to the feast, 

 might now have been expected ; but the lions, 

 having had time to listen, and possibly to think, 

 recognized the noise of the youngsters, and kept 

 answering them iqjjlsuch impassioned notes that, as 

 far as my ear coulcl understand, indicated rage and 

 surprise. Nor were we long kept in doubt what 

 was their intention, for first one, then another, 

 growled close to the enclosure in fact, it was 



