152 THE LION KILLER. 



has either alone or with a comrade dared to march against a 

 lion, or await him in the night, without any protection but 

 his own courage and arms. 



The insolent pride of these men has been lowered by the 

 deeds of a Frenchman ; they have been humiliated by the 

 willing courage of an enemy, who imposes the respect they 

 have heretofore refused him and his countrymen. 



I wish there was a handful of picked men in the province 

 of Constantine, taken from the army or elsewhere, who would 

 devote themselves to lion-hunting ; these men, rewarded for 

 their fatigues, and sure of a recompense in case of serious 

 wounds, would render an immense service in this country, 

 where we must speak by deeds and not by words. 



I would be happy and proud to command this little troop, 

 and direct it in the accomplishment of a mission which would 

 be of profit alike to the new and old France. But I doubt 

 if I shall ever have this honor, for it is more difficult than to 

 find a successor ; for, in the latter case, there is needed but 

 one noble heart of devoted courage — surely our country can 

 produce that. 



Do not be long in coming ; come while I am yet in this 

 world, we will walk side by side as two brothers, and in the 

 moment of danger I will be present; if the lion is too strong 

 for us, I will fall the first, and my death will serve you as a 

 lesson. 



If you arrive too late, listen to the instructions of your 

 teacher : 



If you have provided yourself with the arms above-men- 

 tioned, and have learned how to use them, you can leave 



