232 
THE LION. 
and leaves of the trees for insects. But all 
the party are heartily weary with their long 
march in the burning sun; and even the 
naturalist is disposed to rest. The Hotten¬ 
tots are still stuffing themselves over the 
body of the eland; but the white men are 
soon asleep, after looking carefully to their 
arms, loosening their knives in the sheaths 
and putting new caps on their rifles and 
revolvers. / The replenished fire blazes 
brightly; the sky is beautifully clear and 
promises a quiet night and a fine day to¬ 
morrow. Finally the Hottentots have had 
enough, or there is no more to be had; and 
every thing is quiet in the little camp ex¬ 
cept the sentries, whose business it is to 
keep up the fires and maintain a strict 
watch.” 
“But where is the lion all this time?” 
asked Annie. 
“ He is not far off, and, we may be sure, 
has informed himself of all the movements 
of the new-comers; but he loves darkness 
rather than light, and does not care to stir 
at present. At last the half-moon goes 
down, and the lion ventures forth and goes 
to the river to drink. He lies down flat, 
