in 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 boma 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 boma for so long, he was 

 outside all the time, silently reconnoitring our 

 position. 



Presently I fancied I saw something coming very 

 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 I 



