The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-10-25
In A TIGHT PLACE.
Here we are at last 7"
Alton Hunters Story,

Here we are at last!"
And precious seedy we all look"
"Yes. that abominable Mediterranean
nearly finished me off. Well, here goes
to forget sea-sickness-for the next few
months, at least-and thoroughly enjoy
ourselves"
These remarks were uttered by Hugh
Vulliamy, Guy Gee and myself, Sidney
Shipton, as we sat round Widespread
table in French hotel in the North of
Africa, all three being pale and slightly
green as to complexion, not being good
sailors. 1t was great consolation to
each of us individually that the others
were no better than himself, for no one
could laugh at his companions.
1t is, no doubt great misfortune to
have plenty of money and nothing to
door, mt least, it is voted so by some
of those who have but small proper
ton of that necessary article, and have
their time fully occupied in earning
that little; but we three young men
were all in that position, and the coun-
tenances of my companions had not yet
assumed that expression of ennui and
disgust at the "slowness' of things in
general not infrequently met with in
our great metropolis. For my own ]
can say nothing; but never feel tired
of living, except during the first week
of sea voyage.
Hugh, Guy and L had been some
where together for the last three years,
for sporting purposes; and this time
we had resolved to realize our long
cherished dream of seeing the African
lion in state of nature. Each of us
had made up his mind to kill the first
lion, and We had two or three bets on
about it.
We did not stay long in this civil
lied part of the world, but fastened to
get further south; and, though it was
early in December, and consequently
rather cold, healthy brown was fast
tinging our skins, from the open air
and exercise The highest mountains
were already crowned with snow, and
we heard that it was by far the best
time of year for sport, as the game,
forced by the snow and cold air of the
heights to do so, came down into the
plains, where the temperature was
milder. We should probably find hye-
mas, wild bears and lions, if we were
fortunate, and there seemed good pros
pect of adventures of an exciting ma
ture.
We took up our quarters at small
town southeast of Morocco, and had not
been there long before Guy came in
one morning, having been out early,
with eyes that told me at once that he
had heard news. However, he took his
seat at breakfast without any remark,
and merely answered my query of as
anything up?" with quiet Eyes"
restrained my curiosity, and, as I
expected, finding he was asked no ques-
tions, he soon spoke. .......
A lion has been seen at farm not
far of, and helped himself to sheep.
Here is chance for u.s."
Vulliamy sprung up.
"Hurrah Come along, boys. Don't
let's lose any time"
He had fetched his gun, and examined
it, and we soon had all our weapons in
readiness, and sailed forth. There was
some excitement in the place about IT,
and battue was organized, we being of
the party; but with no result. No lion
turned up, and we had to content our
selves for the day with smaller game
However, though we were disappointed
this time, an opportunity occurred be-
fore long to have our wishes gratified
We had for week or two been staying
at clearinghouse on the outskirts of
the town, riding out daily in search of
any game that might turn up, and dur
ing this time Gee had somehow managed
to make friends with an Arab chief, who
had invited us all to his house, some
miles from the town. Guy had ex-
pressed his desire for shot at the king
of beasts, and his new acquaintance
promised that we should have the pleas
ure of hunting the lion very shortly if
we would go.
After little hesitation we agreed to
accept the invitation, in reality not a
little delighted at the novel experience
thus Offering itself; and few days after
we were riding out to his place. He
welcomed us with much cordiality, and
we learned that several lions had lately
been seen in the neighborhood, and that
almost every morning the Arabs of his
tribe found vacancies among their focks.
It was time something was done, and a
batlue was decided ON for the following
day.
Our host showed us on the night of
our arrival snare which had that day
been prepared, in the hope of catching
one of these nightly visitors. 1t was a
mere hole dug in the ground, just deep
enough to prevent the animal from
jumping out, and was concealed by a
light covering of branches.
A most fearful noise awakened me, in
what seemed the middle of the night,
though it must have been toward morn
ing; and il was some time before it oc-
Cured to me that il emanated from the
throat of a lion, which had undoubtedly
fallen into the trap; and, as / lay and
listened, could make out that the roar
ing was responded to from further off.
1t was impossible to sleep again, as the
bowls continued; and, as soon as it be-