THE LION OF SOUTH AFRICA. 83 



sun, he observed an enormous lion lying down within 

 three yards of him, and with his eyes fixed upon him. 

 After remaining for some minutes motionless with 

 terror, he recovered his presence of mind, and looking 

 round for his gun, he stretched out his hand to seize it. 



The lion saw the movement, lifted his head, and 

 roared terribly. The man made one or two further 

 attempts, but the gun being beyond his reach he gave 

 it up ; for the lion, who appeared perfectly to understand 

 his object, also exhibited signs of anger whenever the 

 poor wretch moved his hand. 



The position soon became intolerable ; the rock on 

 which the man was lying had become so heated by the 

 sun, that his naked feet could not bear the contact, and 

 he was obliged constantly to change them, by placing 

 one over the other. The whole day passed in this 

 manner, then the night, without the lion moving from 

 his place ; the sun rose again, and soon the intense 

 heat on the rock rendered the poor Hottentot's feet 

 insensible. 



At noon the lion arose and went towards the spring, 

 looking behind him to watch the movements of his 

 prisoner ; and seeing him stretch out his hand towards 

 his gun, he turned round in a fury, and appeared as if 

 he was about to spring upon him. After having ap- 

 peased his thirst, he returned to his post near the 

 rock. 



G 2 



