38 After Big Game in Central Africa 



brands. As I do not wish to disturb myself, I heap 

 up burning embers around the four iron supports of 

 my camp bed, and go to sleep again quietly. Once 

 more the litumbui return to the charge, and then, 

 again being repulsed with loss, give up the struggle. 



The following day passes without incident ; the 

 research brigade returns accompanied by two natives 

 who wish to speak to me on behalf of the chief of 

 a village in the neighbourhood. It appears that there 

 is a lion which has eaten an old woman of their 

 village two days before, and that last night he again 

 came prowling in the neighbourhood. As they know 

 I have promised a prize, when accurate information is 

 given to me on the presence of animals of which I am 

 in search, they come to inform me. We set off imme- 

 diately, and at night-fall arrive at the village after a 

 continued march of four hours. The place is what the 

 natives call " pafupi ! " " quite near." The night 

 is as black as pitch, and I do not see what can be 

 done in such darkness. The best thing, therefore, is 

 to wait until daylight, advising the people not to 

 leave their huts that night. To-morrow we may be 

 able to follow a fresh track ; it is too late now to 

 organise a night watch ; besides, ten minutes distant 

 is another village, where they dance to the sound 

 of tom-toms until ten o'clock in the evening, and I 

 conclude that the man - eater would be somewhat 

 embarrassed by the noise. Having taken care to bring 

 my bed with me and something to eat, I lie down 

 quietly, without, however, undressing myself. 



At half-past four o'clock in the morning I hear 



