158 THE LION KILLER. 



some leagues distant from the douar where you have estab- 

 lished yourself. 



Collect your baggage and pitch your tent on the spot. 



If your guide says he knows the country, and that he has 

 friends there, take him with you, or rather leave him to bring 

 you news, promising him a liberal reward if they are favorable, 

 and you can get another guide in the douar to which you 

 are going. 



Ascertain if the lion roars, if he is alone or accompanied 

 by his lioness, and if he is ever abroad during the day ; 

 make them describe him to you ; but, for greater certainty, 

 go yourself, during the day, with your guide, in the paths 

 leading to the mountain, and try and trace his footsteps. 



In case the ground should be dry, seek a marshy or a wet 

 path, and when you will have found his tracks, you can judge 

 him by the following signs : Place your open hand on the 

 print, and if the claws of the animal are not covered by your 

 fingers, it is a full-grown male. If your hand covers the foot, 

 it is a lioness or a young lion. 



If it is impossible to find a foot-print, look around carefully, 

 and you can judge from the excrements, which are white and 

 full of large bones. 



If they are as large as your fist they belong to a full-grown 

 male ; if smaller, to a lioness or young lion. 



When the excrements are twenty-four hours old, they 

 become almost black. 



Wait for the moon to rise, even if it is not until midnight ; 

 and do not set out in the dark. 



Do not be impatient; you have plenty of time; and to 



