stood that I killed the
rhinoceros, not in mere wantonness, but that the carcass might serve as
a bait to a lion, of which I was so anxious to get possession. I waited
for some time, during which an unusual stillness seemed to reign through
the night air.

Suddenly a terrific roar sounded in our ears. It was not to be
mistaken; it was that of some huge old lion. I looked out eagerly,
expecting to see the monarch of the forest emerge from the darkness.
Still he did not appear; but a troop of jackals replied to the roar, and
their savage, hideous cry was echoed by that of a number of hyenas.
Before long I saw them emerging out of the neighbouring thickets, and
stealing down towards the body of the rhinoceros. They quickly flung
themselves on it, and began tearing away at the flesh, wrangling and
fighting over every mouthful. I should have fired to drive them away,
had I not feared that by so doing I should have prevented the approach
of the lion. I had just lost all patience, and was about to let fly
among them, when I caught sight of a magnificent lion, with a fine black
mane almost reaching to the ground, which stalked with majestic steps up
to the carcass. He was followed by two others. They commenced their
banquet without disturbing the former guests; indeed, none of the
animals seemed to take any notice of each other. I refrained from
firing at once, for I knew that the lions would not take their departure
without drinking. I waited also to get rid of the jackals and hyenas,
for I was certain that no sooner should the king of beasts be dead than
they would set upon his carcass and devour it. I observed that the
other beasts did not attempt to dispute a bone with the lions, but at
the same time they seemed to pay them very little respect, and would
look up and absolutely laugh in their faces without ceremony.

At length scarcely a particle of the big rhinoceros remained, except
some pieces over which the three lions kept watchful guard. The other
animals stood at a little distance watching them till every particle was
consumed, and then finding that their banquet was at an end, ran off to
their lair, or in search of some other prey. The lions meantime
approached the water. The leader presented his side to me; I could
resist no longer, but fired at his shoulder. He gazed round with a look
of rage and defiance, uttering a loud roar. Then, seeing no enemy, he
turned to fly, but his roar changed into a mo