130 
THE LION. 
cc Suddenly I observed a number of vultures 
seated on the plain, about a quarter of a mile ahead 
of us, and close beside them stood a huge lioness, 
consuming a blesblok which she had killed. She 
was assisted in her repast by about a dozen jackals, 
which were feasting along with her in the most 
friendly and confidential manner. Directing my 
followers’ attention to the spot, I remarked, 4 1 see 
the lion; 5 to which they replied, 6 Whar ? whar ? 
Yah, Almaytig; dat is he; 5 and instantly reining 
in their steeds, and wheeling about, they pressed 
their heels to their horses 5 sides, and were pre¬ 
paring to betake themselves to flight. 1 asked 
them what they were going to do P To which they 
answered, £ We have not yet placed caps on our 
rifles. 5 This was true; but while this short con¬ 
versation was passing, the lioness had observed us. 
Daising her full, round face, she overhauled us for 
a few seconds, and then set off at a smart canter 
towards a range of mountains some miles to the 
northward ; the whole troop of jackals also started 
off in another direction ; there was, therefore, no 
time to think of caps. The first move was to bring 
her to bay, and not a second was to be lost. Spur¬ 
ring my good and lively steed, and shouting to my 
men to follow, I flew across the plain, and, being 
fortunately mounted on Colesberg, the flower of my 
stud, I gained upon her at every stride. This was 
to me a joyful moment, and I at once made up my 
mind that she or I must die. 
“ The lioness having had a long start of me, we 
went over a considerable extent of ground before I 
