IDEAS CONCERNING LUCK. 191 



in vigorous terms at the unfortunate gun-bearer, 

 who put his hands together in an attitude of sup- 

 plication, without speaking a word. But the beat 

 was not yet over ; so he returned to set the line once 

 more in motion, advising the sportsmen to keep 

 about a hundred yards a-head of them when they 

 reached the vicinity of their present position. This 

 they did, but without seeing anything except a 

 brace of hyoenas, at which they did not consider 

 it worth while to fire. 



" Eh I " said Mackenzie, when they reached him, 

 and related the particulars of the affair. " Nearly 

 boned ! Thick-skulled tiger ! Gun smashed ! By 

 Jove ! you have all the luck. Here have I been 

 cooling my heels over this rock for a good three 

 hours, and seen nothing but a hyaena and a wild 

 cat." 



" Luck do you call it !" exclaimed Hawkes. " It 

 is rather an expensive kind of luck, and one I 

 shouldn't appreciate many opportunities of enjoying. 

 It is rather damaging to one's battery ; and I cannot 

 say the sensation is altogether pleasant when you 

 find a snarling devil within a few feet and longing 

 to crunch you. It is a sort of luck, Mac, where a 

 little goes a precious long way. At the time I 

 would very willingly have changed positions with 

 you : I give you my word I would." 



