THE LION. 143 



especially practise the ambuscading system. The Boer therefore determined, if pos- 

 sible, to turn the tables on the Lion, and to surprise, rather than to be surprised. He 

 concluded that the Lion, even when gorged with horse-flesh, would not be so neglectful 

 of his safety as to sleep with more than one eye at a time, and that, although he had 

 walked with great care through the bush, he had probably caused the Lion to be 

 watchful ; if, therefore, he should go up to the carcass of the horse, he might be pounced 

 upon at once. 



To sit down quietly within a few yards of a Lion, whose exact hiding-place was not 

 known, required a certain amount of nerve ; but the Boer knew what he was about, 

 and had adopted the best and safest method to conquer his foe. 



After remaining silent and watchful for several minutes, the Boer at length saw that 

 an indistinctly outlined object was moving behind some large, broad-leafed plants, and 

 at about twenty paces from him. This object proved to be the Lion, which was half- 

 crouched behind some shrubs, and was attentively watching the bushes near the Boer. 

 The head only was clearly visible, the body being concealed by the foliage. 



It was evident that the Lion was aware that some person or thing had approached, 

 but was not certain where this thing was now concealed. The Boer knew that this was a 

 critical period for him, and therefore remained perfectly steady ; he did not like to risk 

 a shot at the forehead of the Lion, for it would require a very neat shot to insure a 

 death wound, and the number of branches and twigs which were on the line of flight 

 of the bullet would render a clear course almost impossible. 



The Lion, after a careful inspection, appeared to be satisfied, and laid down behind 

 the shrubs. The Boer then cocked both barrels of his heavy roer, and turned the 

 muzzle slowly round, so that he covered the spot on which the Lion lay, and shifted 

 his position so as to be well situated for a shot. 



The slight noise which he made in moving attracted the attention of the Lion, who 

 immediately rose to his feet. A broadside shot could not be obtained, so the Boer 

 fired at a spot between the eyes ; the bullet struck high, as is usually the case when 

 the range is short and the charge of powder is heavy, but the Lion fell over on its back, 

 rising, however, immediately, and uttering a fierce roar. As it regained its feet, it 

 showed its side to the Boer, who sent his second bullet into its shoulder. 



The Lion bounded off through the bush, much to the satisfaction of the Boer, who 

 felt more calm as each snap of a branch showed that the animal was farther from him. 



The Boer immediately started off home, and brought his Hottentots and dogs to 

 assist in the search after the wounded animal, which the Boer concluded would be 

 found dead, as the second wound, he thought, must be a mortal one. 



Before sunset that evening, the skin of the Lion was pegged down outside the Boer's 

 house, and the Hottentots were drunk with delight at the success of ' the master.' ' 



KOLBEN, a traveller who visited the Cape about the year 1705, described the appear- 

 ance and character of the African Lion. He gives a rule by which all travellers may 

 know to a certainty the state of mind in which Leeuw may be. He, however, does not 

 mention whether he actually tested the truth of his assertions, but merely states as 

 follows : 



" The Lions here are remarkable for their strength. When they come upon their 

 prey they knock it down, and never bite till they have given the mortal blow, which is 

 generally accompanied by a fearful roar. When the Lion is pinched with hunger, he 

 shakes his mane and lashes his sides with his tail. When he is thus agitated it is 

 almost certain death to come in his way, and as he generally lurks for his prey behind 

 the bushes, travellers sometimes do not discover the motion of his tail till it is too late ; 

 but if a Lion shakes not his mane, nor lashes himself with his tail, a traveller may pass 

 safely by him." 



If we could drive a bargain with the Felis Leo that he should always thus signal to 

 travellers, we might pass through the African wilderness with less risk than at the present 

 time. But from the experience gained by more modern hunters, it appears that the 

 Lion will frequently attack horses, oxen, etc., without any intimation from mane or tail. 



The most formidable attacks are those which take place during a dark night, whea 



