CHAPTER V 



MORE LIONS 



Much better than I was. I can stand and walk. I will 

 even pace slowly to my kinsman's 



A Winter's Tale 



My leg, with the extra big gash, was a frightful nuis- 

 ance. It was not much, but was just enough to prevent 

 my going out hunting for some time. I could not run 

 at all ; and if you would hunt buck or beast, you must 

 run like Atalanta. From point to point you scamper 

 on occasion, and it is all as glorious as it sounds. 



During the period of my rest I prevailed on Cecily 

 to go out as of old, and try her luck. I occupied myself 

 in caring for the trophies we had by now acquired. 

 All the skulls were carefully buried near the largest 

 ant-hill in the vicinity, and were dug up every time we 

 struck camp. The earlier trophies were by now picked 

 almostclean. Themasks andskinsgenerallywererubbed 

 with alum, taxidermine, and wood ashes. I was very 

 careful to smooth out any creases, and gave particu- 

 lar attention to the magnificent coat from mine enemy. 

 Even with occasional drenchings the trophies suffered 

 no harm, and we generally in rainy times tried to 

 spare them a covering of waterproof sheeting. In 

 those days of idleness the bored-looking camels had 

 been two short expeditions for water supplies. Cecily 



