120 BIG GAME SHOOTING 
speed. I pulled up, as I could see well around, intending 
to load the barrel I had fired, and bring my friend to account ; 
but my foot was not out of the stirrup before he was again 
on me. I was alone, and the horse was so scared I could 
hardly hold him ; but, freeing my foot, I caught the reins over 
my left arm, faced the oncomer, and threw the gun up to 
fire ; just as I covered him, and my finger began to press 
the trigger, I was violently pulled back, and my arm jerked 
up. The lion still came slowly on, with his body sunk between 
nis shoulders, and his brisket nearly touching the ground- 
When within twelve yards, I shouted at him, instinctively, 
hoping to stop him. The human voice acted like a charm ; 
he stood, and made as if he would turn away. ‘The horse, 
seeing that he no longer advanced, left off tugging at the 
rein, and I snatched the opportunity and fired my remaining 
barrel. The bullet struck the point of the shoulder, and 
rolled him off the little rocky plateau into the bush below, 
where he lay roaring, without my being able to get sight of 
him. I went forwards to look for and settle him, but had to 
give it up, for my horse, which I had tied to a tree, did not 
at all approve of being left alone, and tried to break his 
riem. coaxed him, and as long as I stood by him he was 
quiet, but directly I turned to leave terror seized him. I could 
not afford to lose him, so I mounted, and attempted to ride him 
near enough to get a sight and shot ; but the tremendous noise 
was too much for him, and neither spur nor hand had any 
effect. He stood up on his hind legs, and broke into a white 
lather of sweat. I persevered for a time, but had to give it up, 
and, breaking a few twigs and leaves from the trees to make 
myself a kind of substitute for my lost hat, got back to camp. 
Next morning, after putting the waggons on the path I 
had looked out the day before, Murray, I, two Kafirs, and 
three dogs! went on ahead to pick up the lion. We had just 
1 I have said but little of our dogs, but they deserve mention. I never 
shot with them; but besides guarding the camp from surprise, they were in- 
valuable; as in this instance, in helping us to pick up a wounded lion, or in 
