Stevens County tribune., 1878-08-08
A Remarkable Lion Story.

The Paris correspondent of the Boston
Advertiser tells this strange story: An
exhibition which will DO of unusual in
terest is already near completion. In a
vacant lot situated between the Hippo
drome and the Champs dc Mars mena-
gerie-such as has never been seen in
Europe is to be opened during the next
three months. 1t will undoubtedly be
curious and interesting. but doubt if the
capture of any one of its animals has
such history as the lions about to appear
at the Porte Saint Martin Theatre. | am
indebted to NJ. d'Enne1y, one of the
Tour du Monde" for the following
particulars:
These superb animals have never form
ed part of any managerie, and have re-
tanned all their terrible savageness. 1t is
hunter, and not trainer, who accom-
panies them. Macomo, large. powerful
native of Central Africa, made himself
master of these beautiful animals in the
following manner: He bad been inform
ed of the nightly presence of a lion in his
neighborhood. He lost no time in arm
ing himself with long cutlass, and
dragging young OK after him, arrived at
NLS oPPOAA1SN plceSO' AZ luC
usual hour his majesty appeared.
The moon was at its full, and the
strange trio saw one another as in bread
day. The lion gave utterance to deep,
significant growl, looked from the man
to the OK and furnished his great tail.
Macomo remained perfectly quiet for an
| instant, then suddenly plunglng his cut
lass into the OK, he raised bim in his
vigorous arms and threw him at the lions
feet. The wild beast made a bound,
sprang upon the bleeding body, caress-
ing it for moment as a cat does mouse,
and then, giving expression to stifed
grows of JOY, he drank the blood and
croshed the bones. And Macomo-what
was he doing all this time7 Seated quiet
ly few steps from bis guest, he opened
little sack from which he took a bit of
corn bread and dry figs ard began his
own frugal repast. When his hunger be-
gan to be satisfied, the lion raised his
head and looked at the man. Their eyes
met. Those of the lion we're filled with
surprise. Those of the man were calm
and smiling. The lion returned to his
supper When he was completely salts
fed he rose. Macomo did likewise. The
lion made three or four steps towards
| MoComo, who remained motionless, and
! looking once more at his OK, which was
but partially devoured, his eyes seemed
to say: "This belongs to me-" Mocomo
bowed.
A last glance, friendly this time, and
the lion went his way, leaving Macomo
to return to his home. On the follow
ing evening, at the same hour, the Afri-
can returned to the place of meeting,
where the halt-devoured carcass still lay,
and shortly afterward the lion made his
appearance, but not alone this time. As
the hunter had foreseen, be came ac-
companied by family and friends. They
were four in number-two lions, a lion
ess and lions whelps. The repast was
served, but not as on the previous even
ing, in the open ar. Macomo had built
an harbor, covered with vines, banana
and palm leaves, and into this pretty
dining-room his guests entered fearlessly.
Then crawling noiselessly within reach of
a hidden spring, Macomo touched it, and
his four lions suddenly found themselves
imprisoned in strong iron cage, whose
bars had been hidden beneath green leaves.
Friends were near at hand to aid in re-
moving the four lions upon cart, and
they were about to commence their work
when they perceived new lioness crouch
ed down upon the sand and licking her
whelps between the iron bars When the
men raised the cage upon the cart she
looked at them beseechingly, and when
they all marched on she followed at a
short distance with dropping head and
fearful eyes. And thus it is that we have
five lions instead of four at the theater
Porte Saint Martin-five terrible, fero-
cious beasts, ready to revolt at any mo-
ment, and although Macomo enters their
cage and dominates them to certain ex-
teD4, they have not forgiven him for hav-
ing taken advantage of their confidence
in him, and would ask nothing better
than to treat him as Lucus was treated by
his seven lions in the last days of the old
Hippodrome-simply tear him to pieces