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AFRICAN GAME TRAILS 



plains country. The watercourse, with low, steep banks, 

 wound in curves, and here and there were patches of brush, 

 which might contain anything in the shape of lion, chee- 

 tah, hyena, or wild dog. Soon we came upon lion spoor 

 in the sandy bed; first the footprints of a big male, then 

 those of a lioness. We walked cautiously along each side of 

 the donga, the horses following close behind so that if the 



View of rock where we lunched on the day we got the first four lions 

 From a photograph by Lady Pease 



lion were missed we could gallop after him and round him 

 up on the plain. The dogs for besides the little bull, we 

 had a large brindled mongrel named Ben, whose courage 

 belied his looks began to show signs of scenting the lion; 

 and we beat out each patch of brush, the natives shouting 

 and throwing in stones, while we stood with the rifles where 

 we could best command any probable exit. After a couple 

 of false alarms the dogs drew toward one patch, their hair 

 bristling, and showing such eager excitement that it was 

 evident something big was inside; and in a moment one of 



