XXVH BACK TO THE GUASO NYIRO 335 



in the direction in which we were travelling. 

 Instantly Abbudi, grasping his spear and with joy 

 dancing in his eyes, started off in pursuit. He had 

 not run very far when he came up unexpectedly with 

 one of them that had merely gone behind the nearest 

 bush to take cover. Having not the least idea that 

 the beast was so close, the youth approached at 

 full speed and very nearly ran into him; as he 

 did so the lion opened his jaws wide and gave a 

 fierce growl. Instantly Abbudi threw himself back, 

 poised his spear for a thrust, expecting the brute to 

 spring on him, but luckily the lion had just enjoyed 

 a good meal and was in no humour for a fight, so, 

 much to the Masai's relief, he turned aside, and made 

 off into the jungle. 



Abbudi's expression was very amusing, when a 

 few minutes later he reacted the whole of this 

 scene most dramatically, as the Masai love to do. 

 His face was full of exulting pride, and it was 

 evident that he considered it no small thing to have 

 stood up to the lion without having shown any fear or 

 attempted to run away. 



I felt much pleased as we approached the Guaso 

 Nyiro, for I knew that when once it was reached, the 

 worst part of our journey would be over, and no 

 matter what happened to me after that, Mrs. B., at 

 any rate, would be comparatively safe, and within 

 reasonable reach of civilization. 



