The only
conclusion I could come to was that they had
pounced upon some poor unsuspecting native
traveller. After a time I was able to make out
their eyes glowing in the darkness, and I took as
careful aim as was possible in the circumstances
and fired; but the only notice they paid to the
shot was to carry off whatever they were
devouring and to retire quietly over a slight
rise, which prevented me from seeing them.
There they finished their meal at their ease.
As soon as it was daylight, I got out of my
crib and went towards the place where I had last
heard them. On the way, whom should I meet
but my missing guest, Mr. Whitehead, looking
very pale and ill, and generally dishevelled.
"Where on earth have you come from?"
I exclaimed. "Why didn't you turn up to dinner
last night?"
"A nice reception you give a fellow when
you invite him to dinner," was his only reply.
"Why, what's up?" I asked.
"That infernal lion of yours nearly did for
me last night," said Whitehead.
