Page 32 - Adventures in Africa

once I had made up my mind to shout, I did so with

might and main.
I was answered by a distant a hollo ! " by which I
knew that my uncle was still a long way off. He

would, however, understand that J was in danger, and
come to my assistance; or, if too late to help me,
would provide for his own safety.

The lion seemed as undecided how to act as I was.
A s I shouted he roared, and again lashed his tail, but
did not advance a step, This gave me courage; but,

although the monarch of the forest did not appear in
a combative mood, I felt very sure that, should I
wound him, his rage would be excited, I dared not

for a moment withdraw my eye from him, and thus
we stood regarding each other. To me it seemed a
prodigiously long time. A t last he seemed to lose
patience, for his roars became more frequent and

louder and louder, and he lashed his tail more
furiously. I raised my rifle to my shoulder. lie

came on at a cat-like pace, evidently ignorant of the
power of the weapon 1 held in my hands. In another
instant lie would spring at me; I pulled the trigger.
To my horror, the cap failed to ignite the powder. I

saw the monstrous brute in the act of springing, but
at the same moment I heard the crack of a rifle close

to me ; the next, a tremendous roar rent the air. I
was felled to the earth, and felt myself weighed down
by a vast body, unable to breathe or move. It was
some time before I came to myself, when, looking up,

I saw my uncle kneeling by my side.
“ The lion very nearly did for you, Fred/' he said ;

“ but cheer up, lad. I don't think you’re mortally