ite indifferent
apparently to the people outside--basking in the sun, and slowly moving
their tufted tails to and fro. William examined them at a respectful
distance from the bars; and so did Tommy, who had his mouth open with
astonishment, in which there was at first not a little fear mixed, but
he soon got bolder. The gentleman who had accompanied them, and who had
been long at the Cape, was relating to Mr Seagrave and Captain Osborn
some very curious anecdotes about the lion. William and they were so
interested, that they did not perceive that Tommy had slipped back to
the grated window of the den. Tommy looked at the lions, and then he
wanted to make them move about: there was one fine full-grown young
lion, about three years old, who was lying down nearest to the window;
and Tommy took up a stone and threw it at him: the lion appeared not to
notice it, for he did not move, although he fixed his eyes upon Tommy;
so Tommy became more brave, and threw another, and then another,
approaching each time nearer to the bars of the window.

All of a sudden the lion gave a tremendous roar, and sprang at Tommy,
bounding against the iron bars of the cage with such force that, had
they not been very strong, it must have broken them. As it was, they
shook and rattled so that pieces of mortar fell from the stones. Tommy
shrieked; and, fortunately for himself, fell back and tumbled head over
heels, or the lion's paws would have reached him. Captain Osborn and
Mr Seagrave ran up to Tommy, and picked him up: he roared with fright
as soon as he could fetch his breath, while the lion stood at the bars,
lashing his tail, snarling, and showing his enormous fangs.

"Take me away--take me on board the ship!" cried Tommy, who was terribly
frightened.

"What did you do, Tommy?" said Captain Osborn.

"I won't throw any more stones, Mr Lion; I won't indeed!" cried Tommy,
looking terrified towards the animal.

Mr Seagrave scolded Tommy well for his foolish conduct, and by degrees
he became more composed; but he did not recover himself until they had
walked some distance away from the lion's den.

They then looked at the other animals which were to be seen, Tommy
keeping a most respectful distance from every one of them. He wouldn't
even go near to a Cape sheep with a broad tail.

When they had seen everything, they went back to the gentleman's house
to dinner; and, after dinner, they returned on board.

CHAPTER FOUR.

The