tails and the teeth, and the men were loaded with the
flesh. As soon as the Caffres found that the oxen and horses had been
frightened away, and perceived that the Hottentots were not in a
situation to go after them, they threw down their meat and went in
pursuit. Before dark the cattle were all brought back; the fires were
lighted, and the Caffres did not give over their repast until near
midnight.

Our travelers did not think it advisable, as the Hottentots were now no
protection, to go to bed; they made up a large fire, and remained by it,
talking over the adventures of the day. While they were conversing,
Begum, who had been sitting by her master, showed signs of uneasiness,
and at last clung round the Major with an evident strong fear.

"Why, what can be the matter with the Princess?" said the Major;
"something has frightened her."

"Yes, that is evident; perhaps there is an elephant near; shall we waken
Bremen and Swanevelt, who are close to us?"

Begum chattered, and her teeth also chattered with fear, as she clung
closer and closer. Little Omrah, who was sitting by, looked very
earnestly at the baboon, and at last touching the shoulder of Alexander
to attract his attention, he first pointed to the baboon, imitating its
fright, and then going on his hands and feet, imitated the motions and
growl of an animal.

"I understand," cried the Major, seizing his gun; "the lad means that
there is a lion near, and that is what frightens the baboon."

"Lion!" said the Major to Omrah.

But Omrah did not understand him; but pulling out his paper and pencil,
in a second almost he drew the form of a lion.

"Clever little fellow! Wake them all, and get your guns ready," said the
Major, starting on his legs; "it can't be far off; confound the monkey,
she won't let go," continued he, tearing off Begum and throwing her
away. Begum immediately scampered to the wagon and hid herself.

They had just awakened up the two Hottentots, when a roar was given so
loud and tremendous, that it appeared like thunder, and was reverberated
from the rocks opposite for some seconds.

No one but those who have been in the country, and have fallen in with
this animal in its wild and savage state, can have any idea of the
appalling effect of a lion's roar. What is heard in a menagerie is weak,
and can give but a faint conception of it. In the darkness of the night
it is almost impossible to tell from what quarter the sound proceeds;
this a