46 ' THE LION KILLER. 



it is that but one man steps forward for the honorable duty. 

 I would say, honorable, for he who can execute it with success 

 and assurance, I would consider a man capable of performing 

 the greatest deeds. 



What we have seen in this instance is, however, exceedingly- 

 rare ; the lookouts are generally unable to inform the hunters 

 of the approach of the lion, and the company are obliged to 

 seek his majesty, instead of being sought by him. 



Ordinarily, the animal is lying down in his close covert, 

 and if he does not move upon hearing the noise around him, 

 he will remain completely concealed. Then he must be 

 attacked in his fortress and taken by assault. 



Whatever may be the bravery of the hunters who are 

 marching so boldly to death, it is only in the last extremity, 

 and when they are not able to come to battle by any other 

 means, that they decide upon attacking him in his den. 



When they reach the edge of the woods in which the 

 animal is concealed, without the lookouts signalling, they 

 hurrah, and call out to the lion, in terms of the bitterest 

 reproach, so insulting that they think he must out to avenge 

 it. If he gives no heed to the challenge, they fire several 

 shots in the direction of his retreat. 



These operations last sometimes several hours, and the 

 longer the lion keeps himself concealed, the more the hunters 

 hesitate to attack him. They know full well that he who 

 remains deaf to so many insults and the reports of their guns 

 understands well what he is about ; that he has already been 

 hunted, and knowing the danger of leaving his shelter, only 

 waits until they enter it to rush upon them. 



