150 



THE LION KILLER. 



want it for, and be will know that three conditions are essen- 

 tial : solidity, precision and penetration. Regulate the rifle 

 with Devisme, and when you are able to drive the nail at 

 thirty paces, be satisfied that it is good. Take in addition, a 

 pistol possessing the same qualities ; pay especial attention 

 to its penetration, which, like the rifle, is to be used with steel 

 pointed conical balls. 



The pistol I have not used in a long time, being neither 

 exact or penetrating enough ; at Devisme's, you can get the 

 best, such as it is. 



You must have two suits of clothes ; one very warm, for 

 winter; the other, light for summer, but strong enough to 

 resist the briers and thorns, with which the woods you are 

 obliged to cross are full. 



If I was certain you would come soon, I would say, set 

 out from Philippeville, take the diligence for Constantine, 

 where you will arrive in the evening; go to the Arab office, 

 and inquire about me ; if I am out of town, which will be 

 probable, you will await my return, and practise with your 

 rifle during the interval. When I come back, we will make 

 our arrangements to take the field together. 



I think I hear you say to yourself: here is a cunning fel- 

 low, who is very impatient to have a companion in his hunt- 

 ing adventures. Ah ! gentleman and fellow-hunter, you are 

 mistaken ; it is not a companion I seek, but a successor. 



Alas ! I indeed give in my resignation ; my legs are no 

 longer sufficient to support me, the rifle is too heavy for my 

 arm, and I pant for breath after ascending the smallest 

 ravine ; my eyes alone remain good. The machine has 



