212 
THE LION. 
gained by the interference of the dogs not a moment 
was lost; we fired upon him ; one of the balls went 
through his side, just between the short ribs, and 
blood began to flow, but the animal still remained 
standing in the same position. We had now no 
doubt that he would spring upon us; every gun was 
instantly reloaded; but happily we were mistaken, 
and were not sorry to see him move quietly away, 
though I had hoped, in a few minutes, to have been 
able to take hold of his paw without danger.” 
Gerard narrates the following singular story : 
44 Some years previous to the occupation of Con¬ 
stantine there was amongst the prisoners condemned 
to death two brothers, who were to be executed on 
the following day. 
44 They were highwaymen, of whom most sur¬ 
prising feats of strength and courage were related. 
The Bey, fearing they might escape, commanded 
that they should be shackled in such wise that one 
foot of each was enclosed iu the same iron ring, 
which was afterwards riveted. 
44 No one knew how it happened, but certain it is 
that, when the executioner presented himself, the 
prison was empty ! 
64 After making vain efforts to sever or open the 
ring, the two brothers succeeded, by taking by¬ 
paths, in eluding observation and in gaining the 
open country. 
‘ 4 At daybreak they hid themselves amongst the 
rocks, and in the evening again continued their route. 
44 Towards midnight they were met by a lion. 
44 The two malefactors began to throw stones at 
