334 APPENDIX 



But one night a wild beast came, and destroyed them 

 all, not one being left. 



And in the morning it was reported by the watch- 

 man, who also stated that the man-eater was daily 

 destroying the labourers and workmen, and doing great 

 injury ; 



And they took the Engineer with them and showed him 

 the footprints of the animal. 



And after seeing what the animal had done, the English- 

 man spoke, and said, 



" For this damage the lion shall pay his life." 

 And when night came he took his gun and in very 

 truth destroyed the beast. 



Patterson Sahib is indeed a brave and valiant man, like 

 unto those Persian heroes of old Rustem, Zal, Sohrab 

 and Berzoor ; 



So brave is he, that the greatest warriors stood aghast 

 at his action ; 



Tall in stature, young, most brave and of great strength 

 is he. 



From the other side of the line came the noise and cries 

 of those who complained that these savage beasts were 

 eating and destroying men, 



For such has been the habit of lions from time 

 immemorial, and groups of people have fallen victims to 

 their fury. 



Those who were proud or boastful, have but sacrificed 

 their lives uselessly ; 



But to-day Patterson Sahib will watch for the lion 

 himself! 



For the people have complained loudly, and the valiant 

 one has gone forth with his gun into the forest. 



Soon after the people had retired at night to their tents, 

 the fearless lion made his appearance ; 



Patterson Sahib loaded both barrels of his gun and went 

 forth against him. 



