crashing of the underwood,
and the lion was seen bleeding from numerous wounds, springing on over
all impediments, with the buffalo in the distance, still pursuing him.

He took no notice of the party on horseback, except to turn slightly
aside as he came near them. He was too far beyond range to enable
either Denis or Gozo to hit him. Although the buffalo came much nearer,
Denis would not injure the noble brute; but the Kaffir would have tried
to kill her, had not he and Lionel shouted out to him not to fire. The
lion had not made many bounds forward when he fell. He managed,
however, again to get himself on his feet, and was once more going on
when the buffalo got up to him, and striking his hinder quarters with
her horns, sent him flying, heels over head; then dashing forward, she
struck him again and again before he had time to bring his claws into
play.

"Hurrah! she's done for him!" cried Denis, as the brave animal was seen
butting and then trampling on the carcase of the lion. "We had better
let her enjoy her victory without interference; for probably, being in a
combative mood, she may run a muck at us, and we shall be under the
painful necessity of shooting her."

Just as he was speaking, Lionel shouted--

"Look out! look out!" and the brave buffalo, catching sight of the
horses, and probably fancying that they were fresh enemies, came dashing
through the underwood towards them. Denis had only just time to throw
himself from his horse, Gozo having already dismounted, when the enraged
animal was close upon them. Percy galloped off on one side and Lionel
on the other. Denis fired, aiming at the buffalo, as did Gozo
immediately afterwards, but Denis's bullet flattened against her hard
skull, and although Gozo wounded her in the neck, she came on. Denis
fully expected to be tossed into the air or trampled to death, when
Lionel's horse standing stock still, he raised his rifle and pulled the
trigger. The bullet struck the buffalo, and must have entered her
heart, for she at that instant fell so close to Denis, that he narrowly
escaped an awkward prong from her horns directed towards him.

"Bravo, Lionel! you did that well, and many thanks to you for it," he
exclaimed. "Hendricks will be as delighted to hear of it, as I am that
you took so true an aim."

"I am very glad I brought the beast down," said Lionel, "though I would
rather she had shown her discretion by keeping clear of us. Poor brute,
sh