370 AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
because I was conscious of the fact that any extra noise 
might frighten the lions away should they be near. 
As quickly as possible, therefore, I dashed past the 
carriers onward to the spot. Too late ! John had gone 
blundering along without paying any attention to my 
strict orders that, should there be any signs of lions, he 
was to be sure and halt, in order to give me the chance 
of a shot; for it must be remembered that in this 
country, no matter how numerous these animals may 
be, success in “ potting ” one is not only mere chance, 
but also the reward of very careful stalking. The 
undergrowth is so thick, that their retreat is made sure 
by a single bound. 
Through the leafy branches of the trees standing 
immediately in front of us, I could see a lion and a 
lioness. Evidently startled by the noise made by our 
party, they for a moment stood at attention to see 
what was the appearance and character of the bold 
intruders who dared to interrupt their sumptuous meal, 
consisting of two zebras, which lay dead beside them. 
I saw we had been detected, so I bounded on as 
quickly as possible, trying to get round the trees in 
order to have a shot. Too late again, but just in time 
to get a very good view of both, although there was not 
the slightest chance of a shot, for they were off in the 
high grass, over which I could just discern the top of 
the head of the male. I continued to entertain a hope 
that he would stop, but he was soon out of sight; and 
so another chance was gone. 
As I had rushed past John, I called out to him to 
come along, thinking that his experience would be of 
some assistance in raising the beasts. His only re¬ 
sponse was the confession, “ Master, I am very frightened 
thes clay.” 
On consideration I thought that I might not have 
been so ardent in the chase had I possessed his expe¬ 
rience of lion hunting, for on a previous occasion John 
had been treated in a very rough manner by one of the 
kings of beasts. 
While out hunting with a number of boys he had shot 
