oped to get to the fountain in time to kill some birds
collected there for their morning draught. The way, I trusted, would
appear shorter than at night, and I believed that I well knew the
direction I should take. My feet were, however, very weary, and the
rocks were not yet in sight. I was weak from want of food, and soon
became as thirsty as on the previous occasion. I was anxious, too, for
I could not be quite certain that I was on the right way. How I longed
for a beaten track which would lead me without fail to the fountain! It
would have made all the difference to me. I could have endured double
the fatigue had I been sure that I should arrive at the spot at last.
At length I caught sight of a flight of birds winging their way over my
head in the direction I was going. This gave me more confidence, and I
now pushed on with greater energy. At length I saw the rocks before me,
and flights of birds rising in the air, and flying off in different
directions. I was afraid that I should be too late to shoot any; though
I might obtain water, food would be wanting. Just as I reached the
rocks, I saw a covey apparently about to take wing. I fired, and four
lay on the rocks fluttering about. I rushed forward to seize them,
when, to my horror, I saw my old enemies the lion and lioness just
taking their departure from the water! I had already got some way up
the rock. It was better to lose the birds than my life; so I stopped,
faced my foes, and began loading my rifle. The brutes looked at me with
astonishment, as much as to ask how I dared come into their territory
again. I replied by ramming down the bullet. "If you will go your way,
I will let you alone," I shouted out; "but if not, beware of this leaden
pill!" The lion seemed to understand me, and looked at the lioness; and
then, perhaps considering discretion the better part of valour, began
leisurely to walk away from the fountain. I shouted after them, to show
them that I was not alarmed; and, greatly to my satisfaction, they at
length disappeared in the distance. I secured the birds, which were
unable to fly, and then eagerly hurried down to the water. I drank my
fill, and sitting down, bathed my burning feet. The water seemed to
give strength to my ankle. Having filled my bottle and rested a while,
I felt so much better that I determined to take a swim, hoping thus
entirely to recruit my strength. Never have I so much enjoyed a bath.
On getting