vi DISTRICT OFFICER’S NARROW ESCAPE 79 
cutting, when one of the lions suddenly jumped 
down upon them from the high bank, knocking 
Whitehead over like a ninepin, and tearing his back 
in the manner I had seen. Fortunately, however, 
he had his carbine with him, and instantly fired. 
The flash and the loud report must have dazed the 
WHITEHEAD ON A TROLLEY AT THE EXACT SPOT WHERE THE LION 
JUMPED UPON HIM, 
lion for a second or two, enabling Whitehead to 
disengage himself; but the next instant the brute 
pounced like lightning on the unfortunate Abdullah, 
with whom he at once made off. All that the poor 
fellow could say was: “£4, Bwana, simba” (‘‘ Oh, 
Master, a lion”). As the lion was dragging him over 
oo © 
the bank, Whitehead fired again, but without effect, 
