4 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
seized with terrible griping pains in the stomach, and 
a feeling of nausea arose, and as it increased the numb- 
ness and burning sensation diminished. Death was not 
going to be calm and easy. Instead of a narcotic, it 
was an irritant poison I had taken, and instead of 
quietly passing away as in a dream, I was to have 
a struggle with the grim scythe-bearer. 
I tried to raise my hand to put my finger down my 
throat, but found I still had no power of voluntary 
motion. Then another sharp spasm drew my legs up, 
and the muscles of my throat and stomach began to 
move. Vomiting took place, and then I felt easier. 
The cramp pains ceased, and I began to have hope 
that I should cheat old Death after all. I began to 
breathe more easily. But the burning sensation, in- 
side and outside, remained, and then the feeling super- 
vened that it was only a short respite. Death would 
claim his victim in the end, for if I remained here long 
inanimate the wild beasts would find me before the 
night was over. Perhaps it was already night. I 
could not see ; I could not feel ; but I could think and 
breathe, and hear ; and I listened, listened, listened 
for the slightest sound — for any stealthy footfall, for 
a rustling in the tall dry grass, for the quick snilf of 
a beast of prey scenting out its quarry, and for the 
short growl of delight with which it welcomes its 
discovery. 
Hark ! there are footsteps ; a quick rustle of the 
grass, and then a pause ; nearer it approaches, then 
stops again ; closer and closer comes the sound, varied 
now by a quick, short bark. Is it jackal or hyena 
that has thus tracked me out ? If I am bitten, and 
my blood flows, perhaps this will restore me to con- 
sciousness, and to the power of motion. Oh, if I could 
but move ; if I could but open my eyes, and reach my 
gun ; if I could but shout, no cowardly jackal, no sneak- 
ing hyena should taste my flesh. But there may be a 
lion near. If so a sudden spring will soon put an end 
to my suspense. He will grab me by the shoulder, 
shake me as a dog does a rat, and carry me off to his 
