it into thy barn?" (Job xxxix. 10-12).

Not finding water as we expected, we had to walk on till it was very
nearly dark, when we came to a large pool fed by a stream which appeared
never to be dry. On going round it, however, to find a convenient place
to dip in our water-bottles, we discovered so many traces of lions,
elephants, rhinoceroses, and other savage animals, that we agreed it
would be wiser to pitch our camp at some distance from the spot. We
accordingly pushed on an eighth of a mile or so out of sight of the
water, and built our hut and lighted our fire.

We were cooking some of our antelope flesh, and I had put on our
saucepan to boil the water for our tea, when by some carelessness I
upset it. To go without our tea would have been most disagreeable, so I
at once jumped up and said that I would go off and replenish it. Bigg
wanted to go and let me stay.

"No, no," I answered; "it was through my fault that the water was lost;
it is my duty to get some more. You keep up the fire and take care of
the camp." Just as I was going off I took up my rifle. "I'll have my
old friend with me," I observed.

Solon of course followed me. I had got to the pool and refilled both
the bottles, while Solon was lapping at the water, when on looking up I
saw standing on the top of the bank above me a huge lion. He was
regarding me attentively, as if considering what sort of strange animal
I was who had come to his drinking-place. Solon discovered him at the
same time, and turned round ready to fly at him had I given the word. I
signed him to lie down, knowing that one pat of the lion's paw would
have killed him in an instant. I unslung my rifle, ready to fire should
it be necessary, but I did not wish to throw a shot away. Keeping my
weapon presented, and covering the kingly animal, I walked steadily up
the bank towards him, crying out, "Boo, boo, boo!" gradually raising my
voice. The lion stared at me without moving, but as I got nearer he
gradually drew back till he fairly turned round and trotted off into the
bush. As I got to a distance I looked round, and saw two or three other
lions, followed by some elephants and a couple of rhinoceroses, all of
which animals live on amicable terms; as the two latter have no wish to
eat the lion, and the lion finds them rather tough morsels to swallow.
I hurried back, with Solon close upon my heels, to the camp, when Bigg
and I congratulated ourselves that we had pitch