AT FAULT. 183 



setter as to the vermin to be destroyed ; at least, 

 poor old Jansey had found it so. I say I would not 

 advise people trying this experiment. 



At an early hour next morning the whole party 

 were astir. We had our work cut out for us. An 

 unwounded lion can at times give trouble ; a wounded 

 one is certain to do so. 



In spite of danger, we mustered a goodly number 

 of volunteers, but only two of these were armed with 

 guns, the most miserable, antiquated muskets that 

 ever the sun shone on. However, it spoke well for 

 the pluck of these people, that they were willing 

 to risk such an encounter when so inadequately 

 armed. 



As anticipated, on inspecting the muddy margin 

 of a vley of water, fresh spoor was found ; for a 

 wounded lion, like a wounded man, must, if possible, 

 obtain water, but after this discovery we were 

 all thrown at fault, for the ground was baked so 

 hard that no evidence of a track could be found 

 upon it. 



Not expecting thus to be defeated, the dogs 

 had all been left at the waggons, for the reason 

 that they were too valuable to risk their death or 

 injury, but no course remained now but to send 

 for them. The chief of the station stated that his 

 people possessed several good dogs, which we might 

 willingly have, so they were also ordered up. In 

 due time the pack was mustered. The reader 



