for which we had thirsted so long. The day had been one
of the most fatiguing that I had ever experienced; not on
account of the distance, but owing to the nature of the
ground, the irritating attacks of flies, the intensity of the
heat, and the painfully troublesome condition of my shoes,
which were brimming with burning sand. Fatigue was by
no means confined to myself, for very soon a chorus of
resonant snoring told that the whole company had found
grateful rest after the discomforts of the weary day.
I had taken no precaution about making a skerm, contenting
myself with telling the . boys to keep the fires
burning. Tired though I was my sleep was uneasy and
interrupted. Occasionally when half awake I could hear
the low roaring of a lion, the roar seeming to come from a
distance. After listening for a little I rolled over, being
anxious to find repose.
A strange noise awoke me. Sitting quickly up with my
ears on the alert, I heard a sound like a low purr. What
was it? An anxious thrill went through me. Perhaps,
owing to uncertainty or the excitement of the moment, I
did exactly what I should not have done; but that I did
not know till afterwards. I seized the small rifle which
lay close by, and crawled out of the diminutive tent as
quickly as possible. Before I could get upon my feet, however,
a lion passed by, close in front, and with a low growl
disappeared in the bush.
This incident I confess took my breath away for a
moment; possibly owing to the noise I heard before it
“ bolted” me from my calico shelter than the actual sight of
the monarch of animals. Had I seen him out at the foot
of the tent when I awoke I could easily have shot him,
for the moonlight was clear. The lion, however, must have
teen close to my head when I first heard the purring sound