8o After Big Game in Central Africa 



and it is possible for us to draw near to them in 

 this tall grass without making ourselves heard and 

 without disturbing them. We consult hurriedly in 

 low voices, and this is what we decide to do. Tchigallo 

 and Rodzani will wind round the grass behind the 

 lions, and will walk straight towards them, talking as 

 they proceed, without taking the slightest precaution. 

 Hearing them advance, the lions will leave the carcase, 



O ' 



and will come towards us. I fear one thing only, that 

 I shall not see them clearly enough at that moment, 

 for the weather is very dull and the rain is increasing. 

 Nevertheless, we must make haste ; if the wind 

 changes and one of these animals scents us, they will 

 disappear in the grass. Tambarika and Msiambiri, as 

 usual, hold themselves ready with loaded rifles in case 

 the lions charge. I, myself, trust to circumstances as 

 to what I am going to do. Should the lions come 

 upon us without seeing us, confusing us because of 

 our immobility witli the surrounding trees, we must 

 not let them get too near. It is understood that I 

 shall give orders when the time comes, but I advise 

 my men not to fire in the direction of their comrades. 

 The weapons are ready, I have prepared my 303, and 

 we follow with our eyes our companions who are going 

 to act as beaters. There is no need to state that it 

 is this moment of expectation in the presence of 

 danger which is terrible : there is no imminent peril, 

 because the lions when they see us will be more 

 frightened than we are. The shot which I am about 

 to fire will decide our fate ! Who knows if it will 

 mean the death of one of us ? 



