had been
following the gnus, who had only at that instant begun to suspect their
presence. The lion must at the same time have discovered me, and
uttered the roar which I had heard, while his companion was still
creeping on after the gnus. I stopped and knelt down, holding my rifle
ready to fire should the lion approach me. Still there was the lioness,
and being sure that the report of my gun would attract her even should I
kill the lion, I determined not to fire till it was absolutely
necessary. The growl which the lion uttered at seeing me must have been
heard by the gnus, which now set off at a rapid pace to escape from
their pursuers. The lioness darted forward in pursuit, and the lion,
uttering a few more savage roars at me, turned round and followed her.
I was free from their company for the moment, but the knowledge that
they were in the neighbourhood added greatly to my anxiety. I could not
help fearing, too, that they or others might find their way to poor
Natty's hut during my absence. I had for the moment forgotten my
thirst, but now again the sufferings I had been enduring returned, and I
turned my eyes once more towards the spot where I had seen the pond.
Both the gnus and the lions had disappeared. I went on, thinking that I
must soon reach the water. After hurrying on till I felt ready to drop,
I found myself standing on an extent of hard-baked earth, while the
glittering pool I had hoped to reach had disappeared. I looked round.
Similar pools appeared in various places on the very ground I had come
over. I knew therefore that they were but deceptions caused by the
mirage. What had become of the lions I could not tell. I only hoped
that the gnus had led them a long chase, and that they were far away
from me.

Wearied out, I sat down under the shade of a rock, which just sheltered
my head and shoulders. My spirits were sinking. I began to fear that I
had death alone to expect as a termination to my sufferings. And poor
Natty, he would die too; for weak from fever, and unable to help
himself, he must inevitably be starved. "I will go back and die with
him," I exclaimed. "While a particle of strength remains, I will push
on. I cannot let him suffer alone!" While these thoughts were passing
through my mind, I saw some birds flying through the air, uttering as
they went a soft melodious cry, which sounded somewhat like "Pretty
dear! pretty dear!" I watched them anxiously. They were too f