WITH FLASH-LIGHT AND RIFLE 



only by us, but also by the zebras, which, led by the 

 neighing stallions, shake the ground in their flight. 

 The roar of the king of beasts is lacking to complete 

 this concert of animal sounds ; but we know full well 

 that the lion will hardly raise his mighty voice before 

 midnight. 



I had noticed in this neighborhood numerous paths 

 and traces of lions. Thirsty animals, at least, must 

 have their lairs near by. I did not set traps, nor did I 

 intend to hunt the noble beast. My object was to snap 

 my carnera at the king of the desert at night, by means 

 of the flash-light. This meant long and patient prep- 

 aration; above all, I had to study the lions' paths and 

 their daily, or rather nightly, habits. 



The night advances. The heavy tread of many hoofs 

 proves to me that big herds of animals are still seeking 

 the brook; they are, most likely, antelopes, shy oryxes, 

 and mighty elands. They, too, are circumspect, for 

 they also know that the lion, their mortal enemy, is in 

 hiding in the reed thickets of the lower brook. Hark! 

 There is no mistaking the sound. As if coming from 

 the bowels of the earth, a rumbling growl swells into a 

 mighty roar, to die away again into a ghastly groan. 

 Silence ensues. Then the roar is answered by other 

 lions — a mighty chorus, the mightiest on earth! I can 

 distinguish as many as seven lions' voices coming from 

 different directions and distances. The animals near 

 the brook, too, have heard the sound of the awakening 



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