A little distance"), came the stereotyped reply.

I immediately had a good look round for Brock, but could see no sign of
him, so, in case the "many" lions should get away in the meantime, I
told the Masai to lead the way, and off we started.

As usual, the m'bali kidogo proved a good distance--over two miles in
this case. Indeed, I began to get impatient at the long tramp, and
called out to the Masai to know where his lions were; but he vouchsafed
me no answer and continued to walk steadily on, casting keen glances
ahead. After a little I again asked, "Where are the lions?" This time
he extended his spear in a most dramatic manner, and pointing to a
clump of trees just ahead, exclaimed: "Look, Master; there are the
lions." I looked, and at once caught sight of a lioness trotting off
behind the bushes. I also saw some suspicious-looking thing at the foot
of one of the big trees, but came to the conclusion that it was only a
growth of some kind projecting from the trunk. I was soon to be
undeceived, however, for as I started to run towards the trees in order
to cut off the fast disappearing lioness from a stretch of rushes for
which she was making, a low and sinister growl made me look closer at
the object which had first aroused my suspicions. To my surprise and
delight I saw that it was the head of a huge black-maned lion peering
out from behind the trunk of the tree, which completely hid his body. I
pulled up short and stared at him. Although he was not seventy yards
away from me, yet owing to the nature of the background it was very
difficult to make him out, especially as he kept his head perfectly
still, gazing steadily at me. It was only when the great mouth opened
in an angry snarl that I could see plainly what he really was. For a
few seconds we stood thus and looked at each other; then he growled
again and made off after the lioness. As I could not get a fair shot at
him from where I stood, I ran with all my might for a point of vantage
from which I might have a better chance of bagging him as he passed.

Now by this time I had almost got beyond the surprise stage where lions
were concerned; yet I must admit that I was thoroughly startled and
brought to a full stop in the middle of my race by seeing no less than
four more lionesses jump up from the covert which the lion had just
left. In the twinkling of an eye three of them had disappeared after
their lord in long, low bounds, but the fourth stood broadside o