270 SAFARI 



of us stopped in our tracks. We had never dreamed 

 of any sight Hke this. 



Some of the lions were squatting on their haunches; 

 some were crouching; others sitting or lying. Two 

 were taking the air from the top of a five foot ant 

 hill. One was lazily yawning imder a big mimosa 

 tree. All looked our way as we came up; but none 

 showed any more concern than might a Simday crowd 

 in a Central Park exhibit if two or three more loafers 

 drifted up to enjoy the sunshine. 



I suppose Carl's heart was beating like mine as we 

 moved slowly forward. We stopped every few feet 

 and made photographs. For we were still not sure 

 how long the beasts would tolerate our presence. 



We were about a hundred yards from the lions 

 when we first sighted them. All were out in a little 

 clearing with only some short grass in sparse patches 

 between us and them. When I set up my Akeley 

 camera and started to grind out film the slight noise 

 of the mechanism caused the animals to prick up 

 their ears. But a moment later all looked away as if 

 to prove we meant nothing in their lives. 



Up to this point we had spoken only in whispers. 

 In my excitement I forgot and spoke aloud. In- 

 stantly every lion faced us. Several rose to their feet 

 with their tails lashing. But after a few low growls 

 of annoyance they quieted down and again began 

 looking in every direction but ours. 



