with
two mountain ranges that lay to the right and left. The land was full
of rolling swells like ocean waves, and as they passed over the crest of
one of these ridges a sudden gleam of moonlight shining on water some
distance off riveted their attention.

As they descended into the hollow it was hidden from view. Several times
the Greek halted and scrutinized his surroundings closely. He was not
altogether satisfied, for he no longer strode on confidently, but walked
with a hesitating step. Guy and Melton shared his anxiety.

"What's wrong?" inquired the former. "Have you missed the way, Canaris?"

"I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for
daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time."

While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were
half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a
halt.

The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty
yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were
grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily,
others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat
deer to pass that way.

A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made
them shiver from head to foot.

"Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly.

"No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently
as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."

With arms in readiness they moved backward step by step. The lions began
to pace up and down the strip of sand, tossing their shaggy heads toward
the frightened men, and then the leader, a monstrous fellow with a mane
that swept the ground, advanced a few paces and uttered a tremendous
roar that seemed to shake the earth.

Guy cocked his rifle, but at the sharp click Canaris turned on him
fiercely.

"Don't shoot," he whispered. "Don't shoot. If we can get over the ridge
we may escape. I don't think they will attack us."

In a moment more they reached the crest of the slope. The lions were
still down by the pool.

"Look," exclaimed Canaris, pointing to the right. "Do you see those
rocks! We must make a run for them."

The spot referred to was a dim mass rising out of the plain some fifty
yards distant. Whether they really were rocks or not it was hard to
tell.

Another fearful roar put an end to indecision, and they ran at the top
of their speed toward the hoped-for r