halt, in order to give me the chance of a shot; for it must
be remembered that in this country, no matter how numerous
these animals may be, success in “ potting ” one is not only
mere chance, but also the reward of very careful stalking.
The undergrowth is so thick, that their retreat is made sure
by a single bound.
Through the leafy branches of the trees standing immediately
in front of us, I could see a lion and a lioness.
Evidently startled by the noise made by our party, they
for a moment stood at attention to see what was the appearance
and character of the bold intruders who dared to
interrupt their sumptuous meal, consisting of two zebras,
which lay dead beside them.
I saw we had been detected, so I bounded on as quickly
as possible, trying to get round the trees in order to have a
shot. Too late again, but just in time to get a, very good
view of both, although there was not the slightest chance of
a shot, for they were off in the high grass, over which I
could just discern the top of the head of the male. I continued
to entertain a hope that he would stop, but he was
soon out of sig h t; and so another chance was gone.
As I had rushed past John, I called out to him to come
along, thinking that his experience would be of some
assistance in raising the beasts. His only response was the
confession, “ Master, I am very frightened thes day.”
On consideration I thought that I might not have been
so ardent in the chase had I possessed his experience of
lion hunting, for on a previous occasion John had been
treated in a very rough manner by one of the kings of
beasts.
While out hunting with a number of boys he had shot at
a fine lion and wounded him. Reloading as quickly as he
could, he had looked for his game in order to give the coup
de grace, when to his surprise he found that the first shot
had had no effect beyond firing the fury of the animal,
which now ran with great speed towards its enemy.
John at once threw down his gun, and bolted for dear
life. But in speed the lion was too much for him. Poor
John was overtaken in an instant, seized at the small of the
back, the brute’s fangs piercing the two large muscles which
are situated beside the vertebrae. The unfortunate man
was thrown violently to the ground. The lion then literally
tore the flesh off his legs and thighs. I t was only the continued
shouts and yells of the whole party, none of whom
had guns, that finally made the lion run off. Wonderful
to relate, John rapidly recovered from his wounds.
But never afterwards did he yearn for lion hunting. As
Mr. Selous hinted to me at Buluwayo, this horrible experience
had shaken John’s nerve in such circumstances.
I determined not to abandon the spot where the meat
was, On'rAW that its attractions would soon bring the lions
back again, when I would try my luck. Going on with
the carriers for about half a mile, we arrived at a small
watercourse,, and I said that there we would camp, while to
the immense delight of the company I also agreed that the
ox might be killed.
With “ C. L. K.” in my hands, I asked Karemba to go
with me, but he said he did not like to go. Force would
be of little use under the circumstances, so I .departed on the
doubtful venture without a companion. I waded through
high grass and plunged through thorn and thicket until
the spot where the lions had been seen feasting upon the
zebras was reached. The bodies were quite fresh, evidently
lately killed. The lions had been hungry, for they had
made away with the greater portion of the flesh.
What a wild forest scene this was ! Low in the air the