be thought; the chase
after the lioness had taken us some distance from where I had shot him,
and as there were numbers of trees about similar to that under which he
fell, it was really a very difficult matter to hit upon the right
place. At last one of the men sang out joyfully that he had found the
lion at the same time running away from the spot as hard as ever he
could. A number of those nearest to him, both Indians and natives, had
more courage or curiosity, and went up to have a look at the beast. I
shouted to them as I hurried along to be careful and not to go too
near, in case by any chance he might not be dead; but they paid little
heed to the warning, and by the time I got up, some half-dozen of them
were gathered in a group at the lion's tail, gesticulating wildly and
chattering each in his own language, and all very pleased and excited.
On getting near I asked if the lion was dead, and was told that he was
nearly so, but that he still breathed. He was lying at full length on
his side, and when I saw him at close quarters I was more delighted
than I can tell, for he was indeed a very fine specimen. For a moment
or two I stood with the group of natives, admiring him. He still
breathed regularly, as his flanks heaved with each respiration; but as
he lay absolutely still with all the men jabbering within a yard of
him, I assumed that he was on the point of death and unable to rise.
Possessed with this belief, I very foolishly allowed my curiosity to
run away with my caution, and stepped round to have a look at his head.
The moment I came into his view, however, he suddenly became possessed
of a diabolical ferocity. With a great roar he sprang to his feet, as
if he were quite unhurt; his eyes blazed with fury, and his lips were
drawn well back, exposing his tusks and teeth in a way I hope never to
witness again. When this perilous situation so unexpectedly developed
itself, I was not more than three paces away from him.

The instant the lion rose, all the men fled as if the Evil One himself
were after them, and made for the nearest trees--with one exception,
for as I took a step backwards, keeping my eye on the infuriated
animal, I almost trod on Roshan Khan, who had still remained close
behind me. Fortunately for me, I had approached the lion's head with my
rifle ready, and as I stepped back I fired. The impact of the .303
bullet threw him back on his haunches just as he was in the act of
springing, but in an i