sacrificed. If the lion remains quiet, which is usually the case, they
advance towards him within thirty paces or thereabouts, as they know
that he generally makes a spring at half that distance; but as they
advance, they back their horses towards him, as a shield in front of
them, knowing that the lion will spring upon the horses.

"As they move forward, the lion at first looks at them very calmly, and
very often wags his tail as if in a playful humour; but when they
approach nearer, he growls, as if to warn them off. Then, as they
continue to approach, he gradually draws up his hind-legs under his
body, ready for a spring at them as soon as they are within distance,
and you see nothing of him except his bristling mane and his eyes
glaring like fire; for he is then fully enraged, and in the act of
springing the next moment.

"This is the critical moment, and the signal is given for half the party
to fire. If they are not successful in laying him dead on the spot with
this first volley, he springs like a thunderbolt upon the horses. The
remainder of the party then fire, and seldom fail to put an end to him
but generally one or more of the horses are either killed or so wounded
as to be destroyed in consequence; and sometimes, although rarely, one
or more of the hunters share the same fate. So you observe that, with
every advantage, it is a service of danger, and therefore should not be
undertaken without due precaution."

"Very true, Swinton; but it will never do to return to the Cape without
having killed a lion."

"As you please; but even that would be better than being killed yourself
by a lion, and not returning at all. However, my opinion is that you
will have to kill a lion before you have travelled much further, without
going in quest of him. There are hundreds of them here; as many as
there are in Namaqua-land."

"Look, master!" said Bremen, pointing to seven or eight splendid
antelopes about a mile distant.

"I see," replied the Major. "What are they?"

"Gemsbok," said Swinton. "Now I will thank you for a specimen of that
beautiful creature, if you can get it for me. We must dismount, leave
our horses here, and crawl along from tree to tree, and bush to bush,
till we get within shot."

"They are, indeed, noble animals. Look at that large male, which
appears to be the leader and master of the herd. What splendid horns!"
cried Alexander.

"Give the horses to Omrah and Swanevelt. Bremen s