A PLUCKY DOG. 227 



behind the lion, and I have little doubt with a desire 

 to try her tusks on his hide ; for this dog, as I have 

 said before, was entirely without fear. Of course, 

 she might have paid dearly for her temerity; pos- 

 sibly escaped scatheless, for often the very rashness 

 of a deed saves the perpetrator from punishment. 



The noble beast, after viewing us for about three 

 minutes, slowly and hesitatingly turned round and 

 retired, first in a very measured walk, which gradually 

 became more hurried as the distance between us was 

 increased ; all the time, however, keeping an eye 

 upon the foe, so as to note what was their course of 

 action. When the retire was changed into a hurried 

 retreat, to my alarm I beheld the fearless Donna 

 bring up the rear, and giving tongue in pursuit, like 

 a whole pack of beagles. 



If I had been charged, I was determined what to 

 do, viz. wait till the enemy was within nearly touching 

 distance, then give him the contents of both barrels 

 in the face. By adopting such a course I once 

 killed a bear in Wisconsin ; but bears are not lions. 

 I have forgotten to say that my attendant, the Hot- 

 tentot, although armed with nothing but a stick, 

 stuck to my elbow like a man, and never evinced by 

 look or gesture one particle of fear. Thus I lost a 

 chance of adding a trophy to my collection which 

 few have ever had, and which I. am not likely to 

 have again. 



My henchman, Cigar, when he heard the adven- 



