. Now and then, indeed,
the dread came over me that I should be unable to do so; for the sides
were of such soft sand that when I attempted to climb up it gave way
below my feet, while there was sand alone at which I could grasp. I
passed my time in devising plans for getting out; but I could not help
acknowledging that the best of them were not likely to succeed. I might
scrape the sand down, and thus, filling up the hollow, gradually rise to
the surface; but there was danger of the mass above my head sliding down
and overwhelming me.

These unpleasant reflections were presenting themselves to my mind, when
I saw, against the sky, a huge head projecting over the edge. I could
not be mistaken. It was that of a lion. In another instant he might
spring down upon me. My only hope of escape was to fire immediately,
and drive him off. Even then I dreaded that he might topple over when
shot, and destroy me in his dying struggles. I raised my rifle and
fired. A fearful roar was the answer to the sound of my piece.
Scarcely daring to look up, I began loading again as rapidly as I could;
for even then I feared that the monster would spring down. Roar
succeeded roar. It seemed to me that it was echoed far and near by
other lions. I waited for some time, but still no creature appeared. I
began to hope that my shot had driven them away.

Once more I began to suffer from thirst; and cutting up a water-melon, I
took part of it myself, and gave a portion to my poor steed, who showed
his gratitude by licking my hand. I waited for some time, wishing for
the return of day. Except when my horse made a movement, not a sound
for many minutes together reached me. Then the distant roar of a lion
might be heard, or the barks of hyenas or jackals. Suddenly I heard the
sound of feet, as if a troop of antelopes was passing by. I hoped that
they might not inadvertently tumble in on me. To scare them away I
began to shout. I kept on, raising my voice to the utmost. To my
surprise a shout came in return.

"Hillo! Where are you?"

I recognised Stanley's voice. I soon let him know. Presently I saw his
head and Donald's projecting over the pit.

"A bad job for the horse, though we may soon get you out. But you must
be almost dead of thirst, lad, as we pretty nearly are," observed
Donald.

I told them of the water-melons I had found, and that I still had some
remaining.

"Then hand them up, lad! hand them up!" cried Do