Three Lions before Breakfast 



caused by youthful dissipations ; however, let us 

 leave moralizing over Spots' head and return to 

 our lions. 



It was a beautiful fresh morning after the rain, 

 and we were soon in the saddle heading for the 

 " karia," as the temporary native encampments 

 are called, from which the lions have been heard. 

 A cool breeze was blowing, the country was look- 

 ing its best with the young grass just showing up ; 

 " aoul," first cousin to the South African spring- 

 bok, were dotted about everywhere, alternately 

 grazing as if they had not a moment to lose, and 

 then chasing each other across the plain ; the 

 jolly little dik-dik, the smallest antelope known, 

 darted out of every bush ; a couple of oryx were 

 seen watching us suspiciously in the far distance ; 

 while, as we neared the " karia,' ' the wild game 

 gave place to camels of all sizes, looking horridly 

 bored as only a camel can, and eating thorn-trees 

 and such-like dainties. 



Arrived at the " karia," Spots engaged in con- 

 versation with every one at once and drank bowls 

 of earners milk at the same time ; the whole popu- 

 lation of the " karia " turned out, and all seemed 

 to have a lot to say about the lions, till one very 

 stout old lady wore them all down and continued 

 the story by herself, interspersing it with terrify- 

 ing roars, which roused Spots to the wildest 

 enthusiasm. After considerable delay my hunter, 



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