THE TOPI CAMP 



came in, dressed in their best, and bearing presents 

 of milk. Leyeye was summoned as interpreter. 



The Masai informed us that last night a lion had 

 leaped the thorn walls of their boma, had pressed 

 on through the fires, had seized a two-year-old steer, 

 and had dragged the beast outside. Then the pur- 

 suit with spears and firebrands had become too hot 

 for him, so that he had dropped his victim and re- 

 tired. They desired (a) medicine for the steer, (b) 

 magic to keep that lion away, (c) that I should assist 

 them in hunting the lion down. 



I questioned them closely, and soon discovered 

 both that the lion must have been very bold, and 

 also that he had received a pretty lively reception. 

 Magic to keep him away seemed like a safe enough 

 proposition; for the chances were he would keep 

 himself away. 



Therefore I filled a quart measure with clear water, 

 passed my hand across its untroubled surface — and 

 lo! it turned a clear bright pink! 



Long-drawn exclamations of '^Eigh! "Eigh!" 

 greeted this magic, performed by means of per- 

 manganate crystals held between the fingers. 



"With this bathe the wounds of your steer. Then 

 sprinkle the remainder over your cattle. The lion 

 will not return," said I. Then reflecting that I was 

 to be some time in the country, and that the Hon 



349 



