otherwise the
spoor of the beasts would not be visible on both sides of it.

"Dash the villagers!" exclaimed Spofforth impetuously. "Why the deuce
didn't the headsman give us warning of the beastly trap? Here, Beta
Moshi, cut a couple of young trees and knock up a ladder. Cheer-o,
Laxdale, dear boy. Just try and imagine you've found the better 'ole."

"Imagination goes a long way," retaliated the imprisoned sub., "but you
just jump down and put your suggestion to the practical test. I
believe I'm being chawn up by white ants, and I'm certain that the
jiggers are already tackling my toes."

Promptly Bela Moshi set the Haussas to work, and a rough-and-ready
ladder having been constructed, Laxdale, little the worse for his
unexpected tumble, was released from the pitfall.

The journey was resumed. Contrary to MacGregor's assertion the lions
had not been frightened away, for their deep, characteristic roar could
be heard with greater distinctness than before, although they were a
good distance away.

MacGregor looked like proving a true prophet, however, for after
following a fresh spoor for miles the hunters drew blank. At the edge
of a pool of stagnant water the tracks ended abruptly.

"I don't fancy that water-hole," said Wilmshurst. "It savours of
mosquitoes and other pests. How goes the time?"

Danvers consulted his wristlet watch.

"Nearly four o'clock," he announced. "If we are to be in camp by eight
we'll have to look slippy."

A rustling sound in the grass within a few yards of the spot where the
hunters were standing attracted their attention. With rifles ready to
open fire they waited. They could see the coarse tufts waving in the
moonlight.

"Stand by!" exclaimed Wilmshurst, handing his rifle to Bela Moshi, and
before his companions could grasp the situation the subaltern plunged
into the grass, made a sudden dash, and was back with a healthy young
lion cub in his arms.

"We've bagged something, at all events," he remarked triumphantly.
"The little beggar got adrift, I suppose."

"What are you going to do with it, old man?" asked Spofforth
facetiously. "Use it as a decoy or train it to guard your kit in camp?"

"Just as likely as not the cub will act as a decoy," said Laxdale.
"Let the little brute yap a bit."

"He's yapping quite enough as it is," rejoined Wilmshurst. "Hanged if
we can hear anything with that noise. I hope you fellows are keeping
on the alert?"

"MacGregor's