174 THE LION^KILLER. 



gait, which carries him over a long distance without fatigue, 

 or whether, having satisfied his hunger, he slowly strolls 

 homeward, swaying his enormous head from side to side, as 

 soon as he perceives you on his path he will not fail to stop. 

 If you remain seated he wall softly approach, stopping 

 from time to time in order to paw the ground like a 

 bull. 



Sometimes he will roar loud enough to make you deaf, 

 sometimes he will breathe diabolical sighs. Do not lose sight 

 of him for an instant ; keep your eyes fixed on his. 



If he leaves the path in order to sharpen his claws on a 

 tree, be ready. Prudence and coolness are now especially 

 needed, and the least haste will be fatal. 



He sees your arms, and none of your movements escape 

 him, though he will not attack you until the first shot has 

 been fired. When you aim, he will crouch like a cat. In 

 this position he will show nothing but the top of his head, 

 and, on my word, however near you may be, I would advise 

 you not to fire. 



With your gun to your shoulder and your eyes on those 

 of the lion, walk a few steps from the path, either to the right 

 or left, according to the side the moon throws the best, light 

 over your enemy. 



If you turn too much he will think you are going to fire 

 on his body, and will wheel round on his stomach, always 

 keeping his face towards you. 



Take but two or three steps, and as soon as the side of his 

 head seems to be opposite you, aim well between the ear and 

 eye, and pull the trigger. Of two things, either one or the 



