Page 12 - Adventures in Africa

partially relieved we were able to eat. W e had made
our fire at some distance from the shrubs for fear of
igniting them, while we tethered our horses and ox

among the longest grass we could find. In that dry
region no shelter was required at night, so wjd lay

down to sleep among our bales, with our saddles for
pillows, and our rifles by our sides. I had been
sleeping soundly, dreaming of purling streams and

babbling fountains, when I awoke? to find my throat
as dry and parched as ever. Hoping to find a few
drops of water in my bottle, I sat up to reach for it;

when, as I looked across the fire, what was my
dismay to see a large tiger-like animal stealthily
approaching, and tiger I fully believed it to be. On it

came, exhibiting a pair of round bright shining eyes,
I expected every moment to see It spring upon us. I

was afraid that by crying out I might only hasten its
movements, so I felt for m y rifie and, presenting at
the creature’s head shouted—-

“ A tiger, uncle; a tiger, Jan ! ”
“ A tiger! " exclaimed my uncle, springing up in a

moment. “ That's not a tiger4 it's a leopard, but if
pressed by hunger may prove as ugly a customer.
Don’t fire until I tell you, for if wounded it will be*

come dangerous/'
A ll this time the leopard was crawling on, though
it must have heard the sound of our voices ; perhaps

the glare of the fire in its eyes prevented it from
seeing us, for it still cautiously approached. I saw
my uncle lift his rifle; he fired, but though his bullet

struck the creature, instead of falling as I expected, it
gave a bound and the next instant would have been