126 THE LION. 



together. To obtain the most satisfactory results, therefore, a person should undertake the 

 journey alone, and he will soon learn to consider those only as epicures who thus conjointly 

 enjoy solitude and excitement. 



"The Boer had penetrated scarcely fifty yards into the bush, when he had reason to 

 suspect that he was close upon the lair of the Lion. He believed that such was a fact in 

 consequence of the strong leonine scent, and from a part of the carcass of the horse being 

 visible between the intervening branches. Instead, therefore, of advancing, as an incautious 

 or inexperienced bushranger would have done, he crouched down behind a bush, and assumed 

 a convenient attitude, so that he could remain still without inconvenience. 



' ' All the animal creation are aware of the advantages of a surprise, and the feline tribe 

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

 diately 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. 



1 ' 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 appearance 

 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 



