356 
MAMMALIA. 
neck, but was inefficient to cause death. While I was examining 
the wounds, and reflecting on the difficulty of killing a Lion on 
the spot, I heard a great noise behind me. It was Lakdar who 
rushed through the wood like a hunted wild Boar. 
44 4 It is 1/ he cried, out of breath, and forcing a way through 
the underwood. 4 I was there all the time, and heard everything. 
The infidel, the ogre, the scourge, the fiend incarnate is dead, 
dead ! Here is a happy day ! * exclaimed he, trying to disengage 
a corner of his burnous from the thorns that held it fast. 
44 Then he called with all his might to his brother, his sons, 
and his wife, as if they were within sound of his voice : 4 Come 
to me ! bring the dogs ! he is dead ! he is dead ! ’ 
44 At last he went to where the Lion lay, saying : 4 Thanks, 
brother, for that which you have done this day. Henceforth I 
am yours, body and goods.’ 
44 4 Look,’ said I, 4 and assure yourself if that be really your 
friend.’ 
44 He crouched down in silence near the Lion, examined it 
attentively, and endeavoured to raise its head. 
4 4 4 All that you Lave taken from me,’ he said, addressing the 
carcass, 4 all the evil you have done is as nothing, for now you have 
found your master, and you are dead ; and I can now strike you 
with my fist.’ 
44 And suiting the action to the word, he struck with no light 
hand. 
44 Soon after, the brother and sons of Lakdar also arrived, 
attracted by the reports of my arms; and it was not without 
trouble that I induced them to accompany me to the tent there 
to wait for daylight. 
44 Hext day all the men, women, children, and dogs on the 
mountain took their way towards the residence of Lakdar. Hot- i 
withstanding this reinforcement of strength, the density of the jj 
wood and the weight of the carcass was so great that it was ! 
impossible to remove it from the place where it fell ; so, ultimately, ,, 
we were obliged to skin it where it lay. 
44 Lakdar asked me as a favour to allow him to accompany me 
to Guelma, so as to make his entry with me, himself carrying 
these spolia optima. I consented, and in order to enhance the 
triumphal rejoicings, he spread the Lion’s skin on the Mule he 
