MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN LION HUNTING. 263 



the direction of the sound, with the impetuosity of a wild 

 boar, instead of the prudence of a hunter. 



When the roar ceased, I made another halt in a small 

 opening, where I was rejoined by my two companions. The 

 dog, that until then did not seem to understand what was 

 required of him, threw up his nose in the air, and with his 

 bristles raised, and his tail low, commenced taking a scent 

 that he followed into the woods. In a little while after, he 

 came runing back, all doubled up with fear, and crouched 

 himself directly between my legs. 



In a moment more I heard heavy steps on the leaves that 

 carpeted the woods, and the rubbing of a large body against 

 the trees that bounded the clearing. I knew it was the lion, 

 that had risen from his lair, and was coming right to where 

 we stood. 



Bou-Aziz and the spahi stood with their guns to their 

 shoulders, awiting the coming struggle with firm hearts. I 

 motioned them to a mastic tree, a few steps behind me, 

 enjoining them with my hand to remain there. 



These brave fellows were deserving of the highest honor, 

 for in spite of their mortal fear, they would not leave me 

 alone. You may call this kind of courage by what name 

 you please, but I consider it one of the strongest tests of a 

 man's mind to remain a quiet spectator of a doubtful combat, 

 when his own life depends upon the issue. 



The lion slowly approached, and I could measure with my 

 senses the distance that separated us. Now I heard his steps 

 — now his rustling against the trees — and now his heavy and 

 regular breathing. I stepped one or two paces further for- 

 ward, towards the edge of the opening, where he was to come 

 out, to have as close a shot as possible. 



I could still hear his steps at thirty paces distant, then at 

 twenty, then at fifteen, and yet I was all the while afraid lest 

 he might turn back, or in some manner avoid me, or that my 

 gun might miss fire. 



