Ready to Fire 267 



with powerful lungs, are exchanging impressions. 

 The third or fourth time we hear them we have no 

 longer any doubt about it : they are coming towards us, 

 to all appearances towards the river bed, with the 

 probable intention of crossing it to drink. We hold 

 a hasty consultation. Some suggest returning to 

 the pool, hiding ourselves, and awaiting them ; but, 

 not sure that they are going there, I prefer to meet 

 them by approaching the river. 



Guided by the roars of the lions, which still 

 advance, we turn to the right, so as to be on their 

 path ; and select a place where a slight promontory 

 covered with tall grass enables us to inspect the 

 surroundings. The wind is favourable to us. The 

 river's edge is barely ten yards away. Still the noise 

 comes nearer, making us change our position once 

 more ; in fact, no sooner have we got alongside an ant- 

 hill, than the rustling of leaves tells us that the lions 

 are crossing. . . . We wait, all our attention fixed 

 on the large trees. ... It is a terrible moment of 

 suspense ! . . . Will they be together, or isolated ? 

 Shall we fire immediately, or let them pass ? . . . 



The 303 is ready cocked, the cartridges well in 

 their places ; the priming has been inspected. I 

 look with admiration at this marvellous weapon, this 

 powerful auxiliary made by the hand of man. . . . 

 Its polished barrels flash in the rising sun. . . . Will 

 death leap forth once more ? Anyway, the Express 

 is ready at my side ; and the Winchester also, as a 

 last resource. . . . Attention ! . . . Here they 

 come ! . 



