xxl HOW ROSHAN KHAN SAVED MY LIFE 253 
lying at full length on his side, and when I saw him 
at close quarters | was more delighted than I can 
tell, for he was indeed a very fine specimen. Fora 
moment or two I stood with the group of natives, 
admiring him. He still breathed regularly, as his 
flanks heaved with each respiration ; but as he lay 
absolutely still with all the men jabbering within a 
yard of him, I assumed that he was on the point of 
death and unable to rise. Possessed with this 
belief, I very foolishly allowed my curiosity to run 
away with my caution, and stepped round to have a 
look at his head. The moment I came into his 
view, however, he suddenly became possessed of a 
diabolical ferocity. With a great roar he sprang to 
his feet, as if he were quite unhurt ; his eyes blazed 
with fury, and his lips were drawn well back, 
exposing his tusks and teeth in a way | hope never 
to witness again. When this perilous situation so 
unexpectedly developed itself, I was not more than 
three paces away from him. 
The instant the lion rose, all the men fled as if 
the Evil One himself were after them, and made for 
the nearest trees—with one exception, for as I took 
a step backwards, keeping my eye on the infuriated 
animal, I almost trod on Roshan Khan, who had 
still remained close behind me. Fortunately for 
me, I had approached the lion’s head with my rifle 
ready, and as I stepped back I fired. The impact 
