HOW ROSTAIN BEARDED THE LION. 351 



where I was standing, but at the moment that he came up, 

 the lion raised himself on his legs, and gave a roar that star- 

 tled me by its fierceness. My gun was empty, and I seized 

 the spahi's from his hand, and walking forward two or three 

 steps, fired just behind his shoulder, hoping to reach the heart. 

 The lion fell, as before, but immediately was on his feet 

 again. 



We were now without any means of defence, save my 

 poniard, a feeble weapon against an animal that had not been 

 killed by three balls. 



I had stood hand to hand with death so often, that I did 

 not fear for myself, but I thought it was all over with Rostain 

 and me that night. When alone in these kind of battles, I 

 could have met my death as an incident of the chase, without 

 uttering a complaint ; but here I was troubled with the pres- 

 ence of another, that seemed to give me care, without any 

 additional strength. I looked around for some place of retreat, 

 and saw a large wild jujube-tree or thicket, growing a little 

 distance behind us, so I bade my comrade run, and we were 

 fortunate enough to gain its protection, for the lion was not 

 able either to run or to bound, but could only drag himself 

 after us with difficulty. 



The jujube in question was about ten feet in diameter, and 

 very close set, and the branches were so studded with thorns, 

 that the lion did not attempt to force a passage through, but 

 contented himself with following us around the bush, while 

 we loaded as we ran. 



The wounded animal, after making one circuit, staggering 

 all the while like a drunken man, finally laid himself down, 

 expressing by his growls his feelings towards us, in no very 

 re-assuring manner. 



We took advantage of this truce, and while Rostain kept 

 watch, I finished reloading ray gun, making as little noise as 

 possible, and at the same time charging the gun carefully, 



