m THE ATTACK ON THE GOODS-WAGON 39 
At this juncture I proposed to my companion 
that I should get out of the wagon and lie on the 
ground close to it, as I could see better in that 
position should the lion come. in our direction with 
his prey. Brock, however, persuaded me to remain 
where I was; and a few seconds afterwards: I was 
heartily glad that I had taken his advice, for at that 
very moment one of the man-eaters—although we 
did not know it—was quietly stalking us, and was 
even then almost within springing distance. Orders 
had been given for the entrance to the doma to be 
blocked up, and accordingly we were listening in 
the expectation of hearing the lion force his way 
out through the bushes with his prey. As a matter 
of fact, however, the doorway had not been properly 
closed, and while we were wondering what the lion 
could be doing inside the doma for so long, he was 
outside all the time, silently reconnoitring our 
position. 
Presently |] fancied I saw something coming wery 
stealthily towards us. I feared, however, to trust 
to my eyes, which by that time were strained by 
prolonged staring through the darkness, so under 
my breath I asked Brock whether he saw anything, 
at the same time covering the dark object as well as 
I could with my rifle. Brock did not answer ; he 
told me afterwards that he, too, thought he had seen 
something move, but was afraid to say so lest | 
$ y 
