364 THE LION KILLER. 



Rise and fly, for we are of such a tribe, and I am so and so, 

 son of such a warrior !" 



The lion who has probably stripped the skin off of many 

 a native while talking just such nonsense, scarcely regards 

 the speaker, but continues to smooth clown his face with his 

 paws, and make himself handsome. 



Then another orator steps out from the ranks, keeping 

 always at a prudent distance, and gives another oration 

 which falls alike unheard. After this come the usual epithets 

 of Jew, Christian and Infidel, and every one cries and shouts 

 until there is such a tumult that the lion, disgusted with the 

 profanation of his retirement, rises from the ground, lashes 

 his flanks with his flail-like tail, and marches right at his foes, 

 and the battle is begun, that will redden more than one 

 mountain slope, before the hunters see again their douars. 



As the lion walks calmly down the hill, the more timid fly 

 as best they may ; the bolder slowly retreat in order, towards 

 the plain, where the horsemen are waiting to cover their 

 flanks. Some, who have only come that they might say, we 

 were there, are perched in trees, or on in accessible rocks. 

 On every side are heard yells and groans and menaces, as 

 with the same royal carriage, the lion slowly marches down 

 the hill. 



The cavalry, seeing the chase, approach and put themselves 

 in movement. They wheel and fly, waving their burnous, 

 and brandishing their arms, while the tramp of feet, the 

 neighing of horses, and the battle cry of the tribe, make 

 fierce music for the combat. Suddenly the horses, that a 

 moment before were flying like sand-clouds, come to a halt, 

 with dilated nostrils, and quivering ears, while the great voice 

 of the lion rolls down the hill, they catch his wind, and 

 stand shivering with fear. The lion, seeing the crowds that 

 are awaiting him, lies down to keep the advantage of his 

 position, and refuses to advance. 



