OEDEE OF OAENIYOEA. 
355 
“ After passing through a dense wood for a quarter of an 
hour, we came to the remains of the Bull. The thighs and 
breast had been devoured. I then sent Lakdar for a cake and 
a jar of water, after receiving which I installed myself at the 
foot of an olive tree about three paces from the carcass. The 
wood, in the middle of which I found myself, was so dense, that 
it was impossible to see for more than eighteen or twenty feet 
around. I had taken the precaution to assure myself, by the 
spoor, of the direction the Lion had taken when retiring, so as 
to face that point. Afterwards I relieved myself of my turban, 
the better to hear the slightest noise. At sunset all the animal 
life in my vicinity was on the move, so that I was often falsely 
alarmed, at one time by a Lynx, at another by a Jackal, and 
sometimes by creatures of less importance. For each alarm 
I experienced as many fancies ; and I may truly say that, in 
the space of half an hour, I felt as many as would satisfy the 
most fastidious adventure-hunter. Towards eight o’clock in the 
evening, at the moment when the new moon half lighted up 
the edges of the black scud overhead, I heard a branch snap. 
This time there could be no mistake ; only the weight of a large 
animal could make such a noise. Shortly after, a hollow, sup- 
pressed roar re-echoed through the forest. Then I could dis- 
tinguish a slow heavy tread. With my rifle to my shoulder, 
elbow on knee, and finger on trigger, I waited the moment when 
his head would appear. But I coidd not perceive the foe until 
he had reached the Bull, on which he began to ply his enormous 
tongue. I aimed at his forehead, and fired. The Lion fell 
roaring, then sprang up on his hind legs, as a Horse when 
rearing. I had also risen, and taking a step to the front fired a 
second shot at close quarters. This brought him head over heels, 
as if struck by a thunderbolt. I then withdrew in order to reload ; 
which having done, and seeing that the animal still moved, I 
advanced on him, dagger in hand. Certain of the spot where 
his heart was situated, I raised my hand and struck. But at the 
same moment the fore- arm of the tawny savage made a backward 
movement, and the blade of my dagger broke in his side. My 
presence had renewed his vitality. He raised his enormous head. 
I retired two paces, and administered a final shot. My first bullet 
entered about an inch above the left eye, and came out behind the 
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