e
I was, I might be shot. In this dilemma it occurred to me that, as Jack
was a good shot and the lion was very close, it was extremely unlikely
that I should be hit; so I resolved to bide my chance, and offering up a
silent prayer, awaited the issue.

It was not long of coming. The fixed gaze of a bold human eye cowed at
last even the king of the woods. The lion slowly and almost
imperceptibly rose, and sidled gently round, with the intention,
doubtless, of bounding into the jungle. I saw that if it did so it
would pass very close to me so I cocked both barrels and held my piece
in readiness.

The click of my locks attracted the lion's attention; its head turned
slightly round. At that instant Jack's rifle sprang to his shoulder,
and the loud crack of its report was mingled with and drowned by the
roar of the lion, as he sprang with a terrible bound, not past me, but
straight towards me. I had no time to aim, but throwing the gun quickly
to my shoulder, drew both triggers at once.

I had forgotten, in my perturbation, that I carried Peterkin's heavy
elephant rifle, charged with an immense quantity of powder and a couple
of six-ounce balls. My shoulder was almost dislocated by the recoil,
and I was fairly knocked head over heels. A confused sound of yells and
roars filled my ear for a moment. I struggled to collect my faculties.

"Hollo! Jack!--Ralph! where are you?" shouted a voice that I well knew
to be that of Peterkin. "Hurrah I'm coming. Don't give in! I've
killed him! The rhinoceros is dead as a door-nail! Where have you--"

I heard no more, having swooned away.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

STRANGE AND TERRIBLE DISCOVERIES--JACK IS MADE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF AN
ARMY.

When my consciousness returned, I found myself lying on my back beside
our camp-fire, with my head resting on Peterkin's knee; and the first
sound I heard was his pleasant voice, as he said--

"All right, Jack; he's coming round. I'm quite certain that no serious
damage is done. I know well what sort o' rap he must have got. It'll
bother him a little at first, but it won't last long."

Comforted not a little by this assurance, I opened my eyes and looked
up.

"What has happened?" I inquired faintly.

"Ah! that's right, Ralph. I'm glad to hear your voice again. D'you
know, I thought at first it was all over with you?"

"Over with him!" echoed Peterkin; "it's only begun with him. Ralph's
days of valorous deeds are but