Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-12-03


taking a scent that he followed into the
woods In little while after, he came
running back, all doubled up with fear,
and crouched himself directly between
my legs.
In a moment more l heard heavy steps
on the leaves that carpeled the woods,
and the rubbing of large body against
the trees that bounded the clearing. l
knew It was the lion, that had risen from
his lair, and was coming right to where
we stood.
Bou- -Aziz and the spahi stood with
their guns to their shoulders, awaiting
the coming struggle with firm hearts.
motioned them 10 a maslic tree, a few
steps behind me, enjoining them with
my hand 10 remain there.
These brave fellows were deserving oi
the highest honor, for in spite of their
mortal fear, they would not leave me
alone. You may call this kind of cOur-
age by what name you please, but
consider it one of the strongest tests of a
mans mind to remain quiet spectator
of doubtful combat, when his own life
depends upon the issue.
The lion slowly approached, and
could measure with my senses The dis
lance that separated us. Now l heard
his steps-now his ruslling against the
trees-and now his heavy and regular
breathing. stepped one or two PAGES
further forward, towards the edge of tht
opening, where he was 10 come out, tc
have as close a shot as possible.
1 could hear his steps at thirty PAGES
distant, then at twenty. then at fifteen
and yet was all The while afraid les
he might turn back, or in some manne
avoid me, or that my gun might mis-
fire.
What if be should turn aside? what
be should not come out of the woods p
With every new sound, my heart bea
in heavy throbs with the intoxicatiOn Q
hope. Now all the life 10 my body rush
ed through my veins, then again N.
very life was sti.led by the emotion.
The lion, after a momentary pause
that appeared to me an age, starte
again, and l could see the slender top
of tree, whose base he brushed, trem
bling as be passed almost within sigh
Now, no more barrier between me an
him, but the thick foliage OF singl
tree.
glanced at the sight on my gun,
was barely visible; thanks to the lingei
ing day, that still hung on the horizon
the transparency OF the air, and the slai
that were already burning above me-
This was enough for close shot, and
stepped sill further ahead that migt
| have a nearer mark.
But still the animal did not show him
self, and L began TO fear lest he shoul
have the instinct of my presence, ant
instead of walking slowly out, woul
clear the mastic tree with singl
bound
As if to Justify my fears, he cOmmeuc
ed growling. at first with two or thre
cultural sighs, and then increasing
the full force of his voice
Fellow hunter, it is for you am wri
ing. You only can understand and fe'
my emotions. There in the solemn FOL
est at night, standing alone in front of
thicket from whence are coming roal
that would drown the roll of the thunde
Thought of my single baltic hurl again
foe that has the strength of hundre
meu in his single arm. and that xii
without mercy when he is not kille
himself.
You can truly say that if had coun
ed on my own strength that my hea
would have been troubled. my eye din
and my hand trembling. 1 confess thi
those roars made me feel my own littl,
ness, and that without a firm will and a
absolute confidence founded upon th
Arm that is ever around us and supper
US, l would have faliered and failed
But instead of that l could hear tn
roar so near me without fear, and
the last remained the master of my ow
heart and the director of my actions.
When 1 heard the lion making his la
steps l moved little to one side.
His enormous head came ont from Il
dense foliage. as he stepped with a con
manding grace into the light of the opt
4 glade, and then he halted half expose,
half concealed; while his great eyes
lated on me look of astonishment.
took my aim between the eye and ca
and pressed the trigger.
From that instant until the report
the piece, my heart absolutely ceased
beat.
With the explosion of the gun, Il
smoke shut out everything from m
view, but long roar of agony stunne
my ear, and frightened the forest.
Ny two Arabs sprung to their fee
but without moving ficm their place
I waited with one knee on the groun'
and my poinard in my hand, until Il