226 THE MAN-EATERS OF TSAVO CHAP. 
As it was now growing late, I made all haste back 
to where I had left Mahina skinning the lion, but to 
my astonishment he was nowhere to be seen. I[ 
fired several shots and shouted myself hoarse, all 
without response ; and the only conclusion I could 
come to was that he had returned to the camp at the 
temporary bridge. I accordingly pushed on, reach- 
ing home long after dark ; and there I found Mahina 
safe and sound, with the lion’s skin already pegged 
out to dry, so that I could not find it in my heart to give 
him the severe scolding he deserved for having 
returned without me. Next morning I packed up 
my trophies and returned to my work at railhead. 
On my way back I happened to meet one of the 
other engineers, who cailed out, “ Halle!’ 1 hear 
you have got a fine line.” 
My thoughts being ful! of my adventures of the 
day before, I answered: ‘“ Yes, I did ; but how on 
earth did you hear of it ?” 
“Oh!” he said, ‘“ Reynolds told me.” 
‘Good heavens,” I replied, ‘‘ why, he left before 
I -shotyit-< | 
- * Shot?” he exclaimed, “ whatever do “yeu 
gical) 
‘Didn't you say,” I asked, “that you heard I 
had got a fine lion ?” 
“No, no,” was his reply ; “a fine Zzve for the tem- 
porary bridge over the river.” 
