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crows and ravens—formed a large circle outside the scene of
operations filled by their death-loving kin.
Soon my attention was otherwise engaged. A rustling
was apparent in the high, rank grass directly in front of
my position. I waited and watched attentively.
The lioness ! Yes; hut unfortunately now there was no
wind, except an occasional and very gentle breath. With
a low growl she stalked through the tall grass. Had she
got my wind? Something must have been wrong, for I
was motionless, and held my very breath in my anxiety
to bag a fine leonine specimen.
At shady sundown I still lay in the same position, and
the lioness came again. But she would not venture out
upon the little open patch where lay the zebras. She
assuredly must have winded me. I waited until late m
the night, when clouds were coursing across and obscuring
the friendly moon, and the gathering darkness urged me
to retreat in case I might be no longer the hunter but the
hunted.
I had some difficulty in finding my way back to the camp,
but by listening attentively I distinctly heard the chatter
of many voices becoming nearer and clearer m the pulseless
air, and suddenly, when the lost light of the moon flashed
out from a rift of the darkening clouds, I could distinguish
in the open glade numbers of boys armed with assegais
advancing quickly. They were my own Inyota lads, come
forth in search of me.
After hearing the particulars about the lions, the Inyota
said they would like to go and take the meat which the
lions had left. By no means reluctant to see the scramble,
I went back with them. We were soon on the spot, and
they at once began operations under the restless gleams of
the moon, for no fire was made—they were too impatient for