Hunters Overturned 147 



Instead of going towards the left, as I thought, it 

 draws a step nearer, and, smelling the earth, gives a 

 deep and short growl, which we understand as plainly 

 as its companion, meaning, "Attention there is 

 danger here ! " It raises its head, looks in our direc- 

 tion, then immediately begins again to smell about. 



Now it turns slightly to its right, and follows our 

 track towards the edge of the water, taking two or three 

 steps, and at that moment presenting to me its left 

 flank. I thrust my barrel outside lightly, noiselessly, 

 inclining it a little so as to see my sight, and seeking 

 in vain for some seconds for the spot at which I must 

 aim. These seconds seem like centuries to me. I 

 have grave fears of making a bungle of the business, 

 and still greater fear of seeing my adversary decamp 

 without my having had time to fire, indecisive as I am 

 between the desire to wait for a better opportunity 

 and the fear of not finding such a good one again. 

 At last, guiding myself by the shadow of the lion's 

 back made on the ground by the moon, I take care- 

 ful aim . . . and press the trigger. . . . 



A terrible roar bursts forth ; an enormous pro- 

 jectile seems to strike our shelter, which collapses, 

 covering us with earth and sand, while we see between 

 the disjointed motionless stakes, the smoke still sus- 

 pended in the damp night air, and the cloud of dust 

 which rises from the ground in consequence of the 

 fall of our hut. We are in a very awkward position 

 beneath, occupied in supporting with our hands the 

 pieces of wood which nearly fell on our heads, looking 

 outside to see what has become of our wounded animal, 



