aid of military maps.

These maps, based upon German surveys, were the most accurate
obtainable, but even then they left much to be desired. Subsequent
knowledge of the country showed that frequently roads and native paths
were indicated that had no actual existence, while on the other hand
passable tracks were discovered that were not shown on the maps. More
than likely the wily Huns allowed what were presumed to be official
maps to fall into the hands of the British, having taken particular
care to make them misleading. It was but one of many examples of the
way in which Germany prepared for war not only in Europe but in her
territorial appendages beyond the sea.

MacGregor landed with the troops and was given a semi-official position
as scout and attached to the same battalion to which Wilmshurst
belonged. Gradually his taciturnity diminished, until he developed
into a fairly communicative individual and was generally popular with
the Mess.

During the stay in camp at Kilwa Wilmshurst, Danvers, Spofforth and
Laxdale snatched the opportunity of going on a lion-hunting expedition,
MacGregor on their invitation accompanying them.

Taking .303 Service rifles, for which a supply of notched bullets was
provided (for game shooting purposes only these terribly destructive
missiles are allowable), and with Sergt. Bela Moshi and half a dozen
Haussas as attendants the five men left Kilwa camp at about two hours
before sunset.

An hour and ten minutes' ride brought them to a native village where
several lions had been terrorising the inhabitants by their nocturnal
depredations. Here the horses were left under the charge of one of the
Haussas, and the party set out on foot into the bush.

"Think we'll have any luck, MacGregor?" asked Laxdale. "Hanged if I
want to spend all night lugging a rifle about without the chance of a
shot."

The Rhodesian smiled dourly. He knew the supreme optimism of amateur
huntsmen and the general disinclination of the King of Beasts to be
holed by a bullet.

"Unless a lion is ravenously hungry he will not put in an appearance,"
he replied. "Of course we might strike his spoor and follow him up.
We'll see what luck we get when the moon rises."

For some distance the party travelled in silence. With the darkness a
halt was called, for until the bush was flooded with the strong
moonlight further progress was almost impossible.

Away on the right, at not so very great a distance, came