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THE LION KILLER. 



If you are strong and courageous, they will hold you in 

 respect and veneration. You may claim it from them on 

 every occasion and in every place, and they will not dare to 

 look you in the face. It is not for yourself alone that you 

 sport with death, it is for civilized Europe and for France. 



Let us return to Mahouna. Do not hasten to follow the 

 lion whose voice is calling to you from the hills ; he has 

 just arrived, and will remain in the country for a month, at 

 least. 



With good dens, flocks on every side, and water in abun- 

 dance, how could he be more comfortably situated ? 



If there is a full moon, approach half a league nearer, in 

 order the better to hear his roars, and accustom yourself to 

 them. The nearer you approach, the more you will be agi- 

 tated by this voice, which has no equal in forest cries. 



If the animal seems to be coming towards you, leave the 

 path and enter the woods for a few steps. 



You will thus be able to hear it very near as he passes, 

 and I warn you that your heart will beat with the pulsations 

 of the air that trembles at his tones. 



Remain where you are until daylight, and recommence 

 the next night. 



It is probable that they will tell you that the lion has 

 killed some cows, horses or mules ; a large old lion does not 

 gather with a sparing hand; seat yourself about ten steps 

 from the body of the animal last killed. 



Station yourself in such a way as to be above the lion 

 when he arrives, and you can take aim at your ease. He 

 eats slowly, and will do you the honor of looking at 



