The weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1858-1860, 1858-05-04
From the London Review Of March, 9
Jules Gerard, The Lion Killer.

CRAaLD MAcKAY
From the London Review Of March, n.
Jules Gerard, The Lion Killer
The subject of this notice, was born in
1917, ct Pignans, in the arrondissement Of
Toulon. His father, whom he lost while he
was quite young, was employed in some
ONCE under government He was a'gentle-
man of high character, although Of limited
means; consequently, the fortune which he
left to his family consisted almost entirely
of . respected name and unsullied charac-
Tor.
In his boyhood, Jules exhibited an extra
ordinary pemchant fer the military profes-
sion, end an eager love for feld sports He,
in early youth, was noted for his address
and energy beth in the forest and in the
open country and the old sportsnen Of the
canton still talk Of his quick eye and untir-
ing perseverance, in the pursuit Of game
At twenty-one, he, to his great disgust and
his mothers delight, drew "bOn nunssrO"
from the ballot.box for the conscription.
His mothers opposition caused him at
this time to give up all thought Of entering
the army at the same time he resolutely re-
fused to make choice Of any other profess
sion.
The depressing effect of this want of occu-
patton injured his health to such an extent
that he was recommended to travel in ltaly,
% the only means Of saving his life., -
In the course of his journeyings, whSh at
Malta, the news reached him that Abd-el-
Kader had raised the standard Of war in
Africa, and that French army was to OPP
pose him.
His renewed importantly now overcame
his mothers OPPOSITION, and she reluctantly
consented to his joining the army, when he
immediately set sail for Africa On the 9Th
of June, 1912, his name was enrolled as y
volunteer in the Sd Regiment Of Spshis, then
in garrison at Bone.
His health soon became re established
he now found himself in his proper sphere,
and his conduct was 90 exemplary that, in
six mopths, he was made brigadier. He had
during the tvO years while bis regiment was
in garrison, opportunities, which he eager
ly embraced, Of exploring the country for
many miles around, and of chasing the wild
bears and hyenas which infested the neigh
borhood.
He now began however, to tire of garri-
son life, and wishing for an opportunity to
zee active service, he volunteered to Join the
acting squadron at Gullma, an advanced
post which covers the northern and lower
ridges Of Mount Atlas.
He had made himself master ofta Arabic
language, and was familiar with the manners
Of the nstivea
Here his first exploit, as ''lion-killer," was
performed
Having learned that an old lion infested
the district of Archiva, he obtained permits
sion from his captain togo in search Of him.
The reason he gave was characteristic: lit
10 an opportunity Of showing the Arabs what
we are"
His preparations were soon made, and he
Get of accompanied by some native spahis.
In the afternoon he arrived at an Arab en-.
eampment, where he was Hospitality rsceiy-
Cd, but he had some trouble to satisfy the ma
tives as to the real object Of his expeditions,
and he was obliged to promise NOE to shoot
or molest any travellers (which meant rob
berry whom he met with in the night
Gerard relates with glee some amusing at
tempts or these natives to frighten him they
however, failed to shake his confidence, and
- night came on, he proceeded on his way
toward some woody ravines where the lion
was supposed to be ensconsed. This and
the two following nights passed without any
sign ofths lions appearing, and he almost
despairsd Of meeting him; on the fourth
night however, the 8th Of July, 1874, at six
o'clock in the evening he had scarcely taken
his place when he heard him roar. Some
cows were passing at some distance oil
through glade in the weed, and the beast
appeared to be making towards them. Ger
ard crossed the thicket of maStich and pis
tachio nut trees which lay between him and
his enemy, and came upon him, face to face
The two were only about twenty yards a
part when he fired The ball struck the
lion iull in tho forehead, between his eyes
and killed him; he was "said-akar (black
)ion.)
He was Of large dimensions, and weighed
when skinned, two hundred and fifty kilo
grammes, and measured three metres in
length
o. his Arab hosts hearing Of his success
their reception Of him was enthusiastic; meE
women, and children pressed around him
and commenced dancing and singing. From
that day, they named him "Sultan Of tn
Lions" He returned to the camp. w
take the liberty to give, in Gerards owl
words; his character Of the Arabs,
"If you are benevolent and give to tn
poor, they think you do not know what els
70 do with your money, and value you not
bit more on that account Ii you are JUS
and honest in your dealings with them the.
think your only object is to win their conf
dencc and convert them to your faith ant
manners. They mistrust all your actions
he strong and intrepid, and they will al
most worship you. You impress them ono
for all, and they never forget"
Three weeks after his 6rst adventure, hi
aid was sought by some Arabs Of Mahorena
Douar Of Zoueni, against another king ofth
desert; and he again sought his captain
permission to 90 in search Of him. Leav
was granted him, and he departed accom-
panied by native brigadier, Saadi-bow-Nal
On arriving at the locality pointed out I
him, he and his companion watched - be
fore during two nights without result; bu
on the third 18th Of August) about tw
% clock in the morning, he deserted larg
li0a approaching the spot His comrade ha
fallen ssleep beside him.
Without awakening him. Gerard aime
ct the beast, which had seen him and va
about to spring. The shot took effect b.
hind the shoulder. The beast still or
preaching, be pulled his second trigger
which eGectually killed him.
On his return to the camp the genera
commanding the subdivision made him
present Of ride, and presented him to tn
Due a Aumale. Want Of space prevent
our giving more than brief outline Of
Few Of the exploits Of this remarkable man.
We will mention one or two more Of thes
combats.
In ths mouth Of February, l845, he va
invited 70 the country Of Ouled-ben-aaisi.
where Q lion had for some time past take
MP his abode, to the great confederation Q
the inhabitants of Zsbel-K rounega. Gerar
arrived ON The 4th Of March, and the sam
night the monster Was heard roaring in th
mountain. His host volunteered g accom-
pany him to ford 10 Q deep hollow owe
which the lion was likely 70 pass on quittinJ
the mountsin. The night was pitch darl
wheA they arrived at the stream, and tn,
Arab being afraid 70 return alone, rsmaine(
hy his sida The darknsss was eaeh Tho
= ssah scarcely pssssivs ~ AsaA = II
OAoW.