THE "MAN-EATER" 239 



Before I could act, the lion had ample time to have killed 

 both of us ; but once more it turned and fled. As the black 

 tip of the tail disappeared over the next undulation, I got at last 

 my gun in position and sent some small No. 5 shot at it, though 

 I might as well have tickled the tip of the tail with a feather- 

 brush, as regards any harm I could have done with such tiny 

 shot at that distance. But I was mad with myself at having 

 lost such a splendid chance ; only gradually better thoughts 

 entered my head, and I felt thankful, that twice this day Provi- 

 dence had saved me, in spite of my folly, from painful mutilation 

 and probable death. 



My men, who were tracking down-hill, now hurried up to 

 me, and we followed the fresh spoor of the lion for over an 

 hour, but we never saw the brute again. We had at last to 

 give up the pursuit and to return to the camp ; but my caravan 

 slept in peace that night, for the lion never ventured to come 

 back to us. 



