t fly first one barrel, and
then the other, I gave a shout of satisfaction as I knocked them both
over. They got up, however, roaring, and advanced towards the pit where
Bigg and I, with Solon, lay concealed. One fell, but the other bounded
on. I had no time to reload, but I had my pistol, and Bigg had his. We
held them ready. The terrific monster, with a roar of rage, was close
above us, his eyes glancing fire; we could almost feel his breath. We
both fired right at his head at the same moment, and then slunk down in
our pit. I thought it would prove our grave, but the lion bounded clear
over it, and on jumping up again to reload, I saw him a few paces off
stretched out in the agonies of death.

We agreed that we had done enough for one afternoon, and Bigg, calling
to the natives, they crowded round the bodies of the lions, and gave
strong signs of their satisfaction.

While they were not observing us, I whispered to Bigg that I was anxious
to get back at once to the village, that I might communicate with
Alfred. It seemed an age, however, before the natives retired to their
huts, and I was alone with Bigg and Solon. Still longer after that did
it seem before, while I was watching eagerly at the door, that I saw a
figure creeping towards the hut. I had to hold Solon down, for he
seemed inclined to fly out and bark.

"Ralph, Ralph, is it you indeed come to look for me?" said a voice which
I recognised as Alfred's, and the next moment we were in each other's
arms, and I found myself crying almost as if my heart would burst.
Alfred was not much less moved, while Solon sprang up, and leaning
against us, licked his hand.

Bigg had gone to sleep, but he soon roused up, and a very happy party we
were. We had not much time to talk though. Now was the moment for
action. Alfred was of opinion that the natives would soon suspect me
and Bigg, and that it would be our wisest coarse to make our escape
without any delay. I completely inclined to the same opinion.

"Why should we wait a moment then?" exclaimed Alfred. "Let us be off at
once."

"Stay," said I; "you shall rig up in my princely gear, and I will appear
as a humble little blackamoor. You shall have my pistols, and I will
carry my trusty rifle; we shall then all be armed, and I have no doubt
but that we shall be able to make our way among either natives or wild
beasts. Quick--quick--here, take the things."

I would not allow Alfred to expostulate.