AFRICAN CAMP FIRES 



became aware of this as soon as I did. He thriist 

 the .405 across my right side, at the same time with- 

 drawing the Springfield on the left. The motion was 

 slight, but the lioness caught it. Immediately she 

 dropped her head and charged. 



For the next few moments, naturally, I was pretty 

 intent on lions. Nevertheless a corner of my mind 

 was aware of Memba Sasa methodically picking 

 away at the jammed rifle, and paying no attention 

 whatever to the beast. Also I heard Hill making 

 picturesque^ remarks about his gtinbearer, who had 

 bolted with his second gun. 



The lioness charged very fast, but very straight, 

 about in the tearing, scrambling manner of a terrier 

 after a thrown ball. I got in the first shot as she 

 came, the bullet ranging back from the shoulder and 

 Hill followed it immediately with another from his 

 .404 Jeffrey. She growled at the bullets, and checked 

 very slightly as they hit, but gave no other sign. 

 Then our second shots hit her both together. The 

 mere shock stopped] her short, but recovering 

 instantly, she sprang forward again. Hill's third 

 shot came next, and perceptibly slowed and staggered 

 but did not stop her. By this time she was quite 

 close, and my own third shot reached her brain. 

 She rolled over dead. 



Decidedly she was a game beast, and stood more 



154 



