MANNER OF ATTACK. 411 



the crowd, when he gave a threatening sweep of his 

 huge head and horns in that direction in which 

 they appeared to be coming. He was evidently 

 aware of his desperate situation, for beyond this 

 threatening display, he scorned further notice of 

 such ignoble enemies, but stood firmly, as if 

 resolved to reserve his energies and strength for the 

 life-struggle, that instinct bade him expect, with 

 the yelling crowd that every moment increased. 

 The circle around the victim, gradually contracted 

 by the pressure from without, and the growing 

 emulation of the boldest men, to draw the first 

 blood. A boy on the front, right of the bull, 

 for a moment drew the animal's attention by the 

 usual little teasing pretence, and immediately 

 Carmel Ibrahim, the opportunity having occurred 

 which favoured his position, rushed forwards, and 

 seizing the tail, gave heavy and quick blows with his 

 knife above the hock of the right hind leg. The 

 bull upon this made a fierce charge in front, but 

 the circle opened in haste, every one falling back 

 upon the flanks ; whilst Carmel, dragged along, was 

 still chopping away, sometimes hitting and some- 

 times missing, until exhausted, he was obliged to 

 let go his hold, and the bull continued his run, 

 bellowing with rage and pain. The pursuit was 

 general ; and as the pace was but a sharp trot, 

 many got close enough to launch their spears, 

 several of which fell upon the haunches of the animal, 

 but failed to produce any effect, except to drive him 



