l in the neighbourhood of their kraal.

During the night a young heifer, belonging to the headman of the
village, was carried off by a lion; and in the morning two of the
natives were ordered to follow the beast and destroy it. The hunters
had often heard of the manner in which the Bushmen kill lions; and,
anxious to see the feat performed, they obtained permission to accompany
the two men on their expedition.

The only implements carried by the Bushmen for the destruction of the
king of beasts were a buffalo robe, a small bow, and some poisoned
arrows, with which each was provided.

The lion was traced to a grove of trees, about a mile and a half from
the kraal. To this place our adventurers proceeded, curious to see a
lion die under the effects of a wound given by a tiny arrow, as also to
learn how the Bushmen would approach such a dangerous creature near
enough to use such a weapon.

Gorged with its repast, there was no difficulty in getting near the
lion. As the Bushmen anticipated, the fierce brute was enjoying a sound
slumber.

Silently the two drew near--so near as almost to touch the sleeping
monster.

The spectators, who had stopped at some distance off, dismounted from
their horses, and, with rifles ready for instant use, at a few yards
behind the Bushmen, followed the latter, whose courage they could not
help admiring.

Only one of the Bushmen drew his bow. The other holding his buffalo
robe spread out upon both hands, went nearer to the lion than the one
who was to inflict the mortal wound.

There was a moment of intense interest. In one second the lion could
have tossed the bodies of the two little men, crushed and mangled, to
the earth.

In another moment the tiny arrow was seen sticking in the monster's huge
side between two of the ribs. Just as the fierce brute was springing to
his feet with a loud growl,--just as he had caught a glimpse of the
human face,--the buffalo skin was flung over its head.

He ran backwards, turned hastily around, and disengaged himself from the
robe; and then, astonished at the incomprehensible encounter, fled
without casting another glance behind!

So far as destroying him was concerned, the task of the Bushmen was
accomplished. The poisoned arrow had entered the animal's flesh, and
they knew he was as sure to die as if a cannon-ball had carried off his
head.

But the Bushmen had still something to do. They must carry back to
their chief the paws of th