ENCOUNTERS WITH LIONS. 
199 
taking up bis gun, Piet stole softly to the door, ex¬ 
pecting to meet with a hysena, as he knew that one 
of these beasts was in the habit of harassing the gOat- 
kids, which, for better security, he had “ kraaled” 
against the wall of the house. His amazement, 
however, was great, when, instead of a hyaena, a 
lion stood before him. Without losing his presence 
of mind, he poked the muzzle of his piece against 
the animal’s head and blew out its brains. 
Again: Riding along one morning in a very weak 
state, having just recovered from a severe fever, a 
lion suddenly rushed at him. The ox became 
frightened, and threw the old man. One of his 
feet was caught in the stirrup, but, fortunately, 
the “ veld ” shoe slipped off. “ I know,” said the 
veteran hunter, “ I was thrown, and that I got 
on my legs again, but in what manner is quite a 
mystery to me to this day. I called, as loud as 
my feeble voice permitted, to my people to bring a 
gun, the lion always getting nearer and nearer, 
until he stood within arm’s length. I once or twice 
tried to pull out my pistol, or my sword-knife, 
which, as you know, I usually carry about ine, but 
in my anxiety I missed them. My jacket was 
lying just in front of me on the ground, but the 
brute had one of his paws on it. I felt desperate, 
however, and, pulling it forcibly away, struck the 
lion on the head, when he grinned and growled ter¬ 
ribly, and I expected every moment he would tear 
me to pieces. At this juncture my Damara, who 
fortunately had heard my cries of distress, came 
running up with my gun. Taking the piece from 
