82 THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



was nearly out at their feet, in consequence of all being 

 completely tired out by the fatigues of the previous day. 

 A lion came up to within three yards of the fire, and 

 there commenced roaring instead of making a spring : 

 the fact of their riding ox being tied to the bush was 

 the only reason the lion had for not following his in- 

 stinct and making a meal of flesh. He then stood on a 

 knoll three hundred yards distant, and roared all night ; 

 and continued his growling as the party moved off 

 by daylight next morning." 



V. 



THIS natural cautiousness and this acquired fear seem 

 to us to explain perfectly the conduct of the lion in 

 the circumstances we are about to relate. 



A man belonging to the congregation of Bethany 

 was returning home from visiting a friend : he made a 

 detour in order to pass by a little spring, where he 

 hoped to find an 4 antelope for his family supper. 

 When he reached this spot the sun was already very 

 high, and not finding the game he was in search of, 

 he placed his gun against a rock, quenched his thirst, 

 returned to the rock, and smoked his pipe, and then 

 slept. 



Soon afterwards, roused up by the intense heat of the 



