268 



THE MAN-EATERS OF TSAVO CH. xxm 



"Stripes" was the more formidable foe, while I, 

 though admitting to the full the courage of the tiger, 

 maintained from lively personal experience that the 

 lion when once roused was unequalled for pluck and 

 daring, and was in fact the most dangerous enemy 

 one could meet with. He may at times slink off 

 and not show fight ; but get him in the mood, or 

 wound him, and only his death or yours will end 

 the fray that, at least, was my experience of East 

 African lions. I think that Spooner has now come 

 round to my opinion, his conversion taking place the 

 next day in a very melancholy manner. 



