AN UNEXPECTED INTRUDER. 179 



lion from its ambush, which they immediately shot ; 

 whilst engaged in stripping off its skin, their wives, 

 led by curiosity, assembled around the " dooie leo," 

 but as they were intent on examining the dead animal 

 a lioness suddenly arose from the jungle, and spring- 

 ing forward put the whole party to flight in the 

 greatest confusion. The impatience of the terrified 

 women to reach the nearest waggon was described, 

 as truly ludicrous, tumbling one over another, in 

 their efforts to escape the fangs of the unexpected 

 intruder # . 



* Mr. Archbell, of Plattberg, relates the following amusing anec- 

 dote of an adventure between a Hottentot and a lion. 



" The grass about us was exceedingly tall, and the country 

 abounded in spring-boks : one of our Hottentots thought he per- 

 ceived one amidst the grass, and crept close up to it in order to 

 make sure of his shot, when on rising to discharge his piece, he found 

 himself close upon a large male lion, which instantly set up a loud roar. 

 The man lied, and being near the waggons, was not pursued by the 

 lion. The manner in which he related the story was exceedingly 

 amusing, and characteristic of the Hottentot. ' I saw,' said he, ' a 

 spring-bok, which I made sure of having in the pot to-night ; but 

 when I got close to it I found it was the Governor. I was just going 

 to fire, when he asked me in a loud tone, " What are you going to 

 do ?" " Oh," said I, " I beg your pardon, I did not know it was your 

 honour, or I should not have presumed to have drawn so near you ; 

 I hope your honour will not consider it an insult, and I shall instantly 

 retire." So I scampered away a great deal quicker than I went to 

 him/ " 



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