minutes passed before I could entirely
recover my equanimity. I had seen such webs before, but had never run
tilt against them. This was suspended between two of the stalks of the
baobab-tree, in a perpendicular position, by lines the thickness of
coarse thread. The fibres of which it was composed radiated from a
central point, where the creature was lying in wait for its prey, when
it found the tip of my nose instead of an unwary moth or butterfly. The
web was about a yard in diameter, so that it completely enveloped my
face and head. Though very disagreeable to me, the occurrence, I really
believe, did Natty good. It was pleasant to hear even a faint shout of
laughter from him.

The spider I have mentioned is a solitary individual: but I have seen
others which live in society; and industrious creatures they are, too,
for their webs frequently cover the entire trunk of a tree, so as
literally to conceal it from view. I have seen a bush in the same way
completely covered up, as if a table-cloth had been thrown over it.

I was thankful we had so secure a house, for I saw that Natty could not
possibly proceed for some time. I therefore made up my mind to remain
where we were till he was better, even though it might involve the delay
of a whole week. My chief anxiety arose from the small amount of
ammunition I now possessed. Should that fail me, I could not tell how I
might obtain food. Water I had in abundance; that was one comfort. The
immediate neighbourhood of the baobab-tree afforded neither roots nor
fruits; so even as it was I must visit the fountain, or go to a yet
further distance, to obtain food. Notwithstanding the interruption I
have described, I had time to collect some leaves for Natty's bed, and a
supply of firewood, in case I might find it necessary to light a fire.

Several times during the night the distant roars of lions and other wild
beasts reached my ears; but as none were near, I went to sleep without
any unusual feeling of anxiety. In the morning, however, I found the
marks of a lion's feet in the soil, made soft by the rain, just outside
the tree. Probably he had come up to our sleeping-place; but, finding
the entrance barred against him, had not attempted to make his way in.
I was thankful that I had guarded it securely.

I am obliged to make a long story short. Three days passed by, during
which there was a storm and a fall of rain. I went to the fountain for
water, and shot