nd, still went on, though at
slackened speed. Instead of reloading, as I ought to have done, I
dashed forward to secure it. Scarcely, however, had I left my cover
than what was my surprise, and I must confess my dismay, to see a huge
lion! Should I attempt to escape by flight, the savage brute would, I
knew, follow me. I fixed my eyes as steadily as I could upon him, while
I attempted to reload. At the same time I knew that, even should I
fire, I might only wound him, when he would become more fierce. There
were trees near, up which it was possible I might climb should he give
me time, but it was not likely that he would do that. I wondered that
he did not pursue the antelope; but probably he had lately had his
dinner, or he certainly would have done so. I continued loading, he
lashing his tail and roaring furiously. I expected every moment that he
would spring upon me. To escape by any other way than by shooting him
dead seemed impossible.

I finished loading, and brought my gun up ready to fire. Should I miss
or only wound him, he would be upon me in a moment. I had hitherto
remained quite silent, but it occurred to me that if I should shout
loudly enough my uncle would hear my cry for help. I thought, too, that
I might scare the lion. When once I had made up my mind to shout, I did
so with might and main.

I was answered by a distant "hollo!" by which I knew that my uncle was
still a long way off. He would, however, understand that I was in
danger, and come to my assistance; or, if too late to help me, would
provide for his own safety.

The lion seemed as undecided how to act as I was. As I shouted he
roared, and again lashed his tail, but did not advance a step. This
gave me courage; but, although the monarch of the forest did not appear
in a combative mood, I felt very sure that, should I wound him, his rage
would be excited. I dared not for a moment withdraw my eye from him,
and thus we stood regarding each other. To me it seemed a prodigiously
long time. At last he seemed to lose patience, for his roars became
more frequent and louder and louder, and he lashed his tail more
furiously. I raised my rifle to my shoulder. He came on at a cat-like
pace, evidently ignorant of the power of the weapon I held in my hands.
In another instant he would spring at me. I pulled the trigger. To my
horror, the cap failed to ignite the powder. I saw the monstrous brute
in the act of springing, but at th