xxii HOW ROSHAN KHAN SAVED MY LIFE 253 



lying at full length on his side, and when I saw him 

 at close quarters I was more delighted than I can 

 tell, for he was indeed a very fine specimen. For a 

 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 I 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 



