Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-03-21
Adventure with a Lioness.
FROM LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA 81


oness. taking advantage of the sedatlve effect OF
storm, had secured blesbok, and was discovered
whilst she busily dining. She was assisted IN her
repast by about dozen jackals, which Teasing
alone with her in the most friendly and confidential
manner Directing my followers attention to the spot
remarked 81 see the lion p to which they replied
"Whar? whar? Yah! Amagtig dat is he !" and
instantly refining in their seeds and wheeling about,
they pressed their heels TO their horses Sides and were
preparing to betake themselves to flight asked them
what they were going to do 10 which they answered,
g We have not yet placed caps our rifles" This
was true but while this short conversation was pas
sing, the oness had observed us. Raising her full.
round face, she cverhauled for few seconds, and
then set off at smart canter towards range OF noun
tans some miles to the norhward the whole troop of
iackas also started off in another directon there
therefore, time 10 think of caps. The first move
was to hay, and not a second was to be lost
Squirting my good and lively steed, and shouting 10
my men to follow, flew across the plain, and, be-
ing fortunately mounted on Coesberg the flower OF
my stud, gained upon her at every stride This was
to me a joyful moment and / at once made up my
mind that she or must die.
The lioness having had long start of me, we went
over a considerable extent of ground before came up
with her. She was large, full grown beast, and the
bare and level nature of the plain added TO her impo-
sing appearance. Finding that gained upon her, she
reduced her pace from caner 10 trot, carrying her
tail stuck out behind her, and slowed little 10 one
side. shouted loudly to her to halt, as | wished to
speak with 0er, upon winch Sne SuuueIlS pulleu
and sat on her launches like dog with her back to-
wards me, not degning to look around She then
appeared say herself, Does this fellow know who
he is after ?? Having thus sat for half minute, as if
involved in thought she sprang to her feet, and, facing
about stood looking at me for few seconds moving
her tail slowly from side to side, showing her teeth,
and growing ferceIy. She next made a short run
forwards making loud rumbling noise like thunder.
! This she did to ntimdate me but, finding that dld
/ not finch inch, to heed her hostile dem
nod horn,
and lay down on the grass. My Hotentos now
coming up, we all three dismounted, and drawing
our rifles from their holsters, looked 10 see If the
powder was up in the nipples, and put on our caps
While this was doing the lloness sat up, and showed
evident symptoms of uueasiness. She looked first at
u.s. and then behind her, if TO if the coast were
clear; after which she made short towards us,
utering her deep-drawn murderous growls. Having
secured the three horses to another by their rhe
inns, we led them if intended TO pass her, in
the hope of obtaining broadside. But this she care
fully avoided to expose, presenting only her full front
! had given Stofolus my Moore rife, with orders
TO shoot her if she should spring upon me, but no
account to fire before me. Kieinboy to stand ready
TO hand me my Purdey rifle, in the two-grooved
Dixon should not prove sufficient. My yet had
been steady, but they in precious stew, their
faces having assumed CHASTITY paleness; and | had
painful feeling thai could place no reliance on
them
Now, then, for if, neck or nothing She is within
ed the horses tails to her. knelt on one side, and
taking steady aim at her breast, let fly The ball
cracked loudly her tawny hide, and crippled her in
the shoulder, upon which she charged with appal-
ling roar and in the winklng of eye she in the
midst of us. At this moment Stofolus's rifle exploded
in his hand, and KIenboy. whom ordered to stand
ready by me- danced about like duck in gale OF
wind The lioness sprang upon Coesberg and fearful
ly acerated his ribs and Ranches with her hord teeth
and claws; the worst wound was on bis launches
| Oh VII tod yawninp cash than
twelve inches long, almost laying bare the very bone
was very cool and steady, and did not feel in the
least degree nervous, having fortunately great conf
dence in my own shooting but must confess. when
the whole affair was over, felt that it very aw-
full situation. and attended with extreme peril, as
had no friend with me whom could rely.
When the lioness sprang on Colesberg, stood out
from the horses ready with my second barrel for the
first chance she should give of clear shot. This
she quickly did for. seemingly satisfied with the re-
venge she had now taken she quilted Colesberg and
Slowing her tail sde trotied sulkiy past within
la few races OF me, taking step 10 the left pitch