e doctor, as he grasped him by one arm, and
he awoke to the fact that his breathless father had seized him by the
other.

"Speak, my boy," he cried. "Why don't you speak? Where are you hurt?"

"I don't quite know, father? Not much; but it sprang right at me and
knocked me back amongst the bushes as it tore away."

"What tore away?" cried the doctor. "What did you fire at?"

"I am not quite sure," replied the boy excitedly, "but I think it was a
lion. I saw it creeping up towards the ponies, and as it reared up to
spring upon them I fired."

"Yes," said his father sharply, "and then?"

"I think I must have wounded it, for I heard it dashing away amongst the
bushes."

"Well done, boy," cried his father, patting him on the shoulder. "But
you are sure you are not hurt much?"

"Oh, yes, I am not hurt much, father," said the boy quietly. "The beast
struck me on the shoulder and knocked me right backwards."

"Then he will be clawed, doctor. Let's get him into the waggon, and
have a light."

"Yes, by all means. Who's there?" cried the doctor, in the darkness and
confusion.

"Ay, ay, sir! Me, sir. Off for a lantern," cried the little sailor.

"Here we are sir," cried Bob Bacon. "Me, sir, and Peter Dance."

"That's right, my lads. Take hold of Mr Mark and carry him into the
waggon."

"Oh, Mark," cried another voice, "don't say you are hurt!"

"Well, but I am, old chap," said Mark coolly. "No, I say, don't do
that. Don't be frightened, father, I can walk."

"Are you sure, boy?" said the doctor, who had handed the rifle with
which he had come out armed to the keeper; and as he spoke he passed his
hands over Mark's shoulders, fully expecting to feel the moisture of
blood oozing through his clothes.

"Oh!" shouted the boy, and Sir James winced, uttering a low hissing
sound the while.

"It's got him there," said the doctor, between his teeth.

"Yes, it pricks," said the boy. "It was only when you touched it."

At that moment a light appeared from the direction of the first waggon,
and the big bullock driver joined the party, ready to open his lantern
and cast its rays upon the excited little throng, one of the first faces
seen being that of the black guide, who, spear in hand, seemed to become
one of the most animated, as he stood with his eyes flashing and his
white teeth bared.

"Ahoy! Light's here, sir!" shouted the sailor.

"Bring it here," cried the doctor, and the rays of a second lan