96 



THE LION KILLER. 



were only four or five, I would stop the last by dragging the 

 skirt of his bournous, and before he could find out what held 

 him, I would glide between him and those who Avere on 

 before, and kill him with one blow of the bayonet and with- 

 out any noise. 



With one shot I could knock down a second, and perhaps 

 a third, if they were in file : then, the surprise and panic 

 aiding me, I could easily manage those who remained, if 

 there were any who desired to do so. 



If, on the contrary, there were a great number, I would 

 let them pass, and try and conceal myself. In this case I 

 would blow out the brains of the first one who perceived me, 

 and burst, like a boar out of his lair, on the astonished troop, 

 striking and killing my best, while waiting the arrival of old 

 Rousselet, who would not be long in hastening to take part 

 in the fray. 



My calculations had been made, when I saw the Arab 

 appear who was walking at the head of the troop. He was 

 a lusty fellow, as tall as a grenadier, and with a face indica- 

 tive of no gentle disposition. 



He was armed with a gun, which he carried on his 

 shoulder, and the raised lappel of his bournous permitted 

 me to see in his belt the butt of a pistol. 



Behind him came a string of his companions, which 

 appeared to me extremely long as they were approaching. 



When the chief arrived opposite the mastic in which I was 

 crouching, he stopped in order to speak to his comrades, who 

 were a little behind, walking lightly and talking among 

 themselves. 



