THE DYING BITE. 
147 
and to save themselves from becoming, in turn, the 
breakfast or supper of the monster of the desert.” 
Elsewhere, Freeman confesses to having long 
been incredulous as to the truth of what has been 
just stated ; but that he subsequently met a Mr. 
Lemare, wdio formerly resided at Mortito, and was 
familiar with the Kallihari country, e6 who assured 
him that the remarkable accounts circulated as to 
people of that part of Africa catching lions by the 
ta,il 9 was a fact; that he himself knew the method to 
prevail; and that it was certainly not uncommon 
amongst the natives.” 
Fabulous as what has just been related may 
appear to some, yet its truth is fully corroborated 
by Sir A. Alexander, who, after speaking of the 
wonderful intrepidity and desperate courage the 
X-often display when attacking wild beasts, 
goes on to say :— 
66 Thus, I saw a man of the name of Lynx, who 
had had his hand crushed by a lion that had killed 
one of his cattle. Now, it is the custom in the land 
to let those beasts alone, unless they destroy persons 
or property; but if they do, it is always understood 
that a hunt must take place. So Lynx, v r itk three 
of his cousins, went forth to attack the governor. 
“ They tracked him to a bush, and were prepar¬ 
ing their guns for the encounter, when the lion 
rushed out unexpectedly—on which the three 
cousins fled, leaving Lynx, who was immediately 
overthrown by the brute, to his fate. The monster 
seized the unfortunate man by the left arm, and was 
dragging him off to destroy him at his leisure, when 
l 2 
