The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-03-06
The Terror Of the Jungle,

The Terror Of the Jungle.
At the close of fine breezy day in
June, party of three Englishmen,
with Hottentot attendants, an OK team,
horses and dogs, were bivouacked, after
an exciting day of hunting, on small
plain near the banks of the Sunday, a
tributary of the Buffalo River, situated
between Fort Lucas and Quagga Kraal,
in that part of British Catfraria known
as Natal, which, as most readers are
aware, forms an important portion of
South Africa.
The day had been replete with ad-
venture, and the spoils of the chase
were varied; but although the prime OBJ
ject of the sportsmen was to bring
down tawny lion or two, they did not
dlsdain to have crack at any wild
animal unlucky enough to come within
range of their breechloading "Man-
TONS" consequently their 6" bag'' COM
prised springboks, gnus, wild sheep,
Cape rabbits, few birds, etc. With
the monarch of the forest, however,
they were not so successful. They had
sighted number-single and in pairs
but in every case their majesties kept
respectful distance, and any attempt
at close acquaintance was frustrated
by their Immediately turning tail and
sneaklng Off in the most unroyal man.
ner, thus refutiug the long cherished
idea that the lion is the most coura-
geous of beasts. There are many opin-
ions on this subject, for and against,
but although lions are known at times
to display wonderful audacity and
bravery, our hunters this day were GER
tainly disguised, and voted Leo to be
both roaring braggart and coward.
1t was not with the most satisfied air,
therefore, that they returned to the
bivouac which they had Quilted in the
morning, and, after securing the stock
and picketing the horses, sat down to
partake of the evening meal prepared
by the Hottentot cook. But, after six
or seven hours of sharp riding, the sa-
worry odor of springbok Ga species of
antelope) steaks, stewed rabbit, flap
jacks and aromatic oolong, had Won
derfully soothing effect on the hunters;
and, when these good things had been
done ample justice to, and pipes
charged and lighted, the wearied MINI
rods cast themselves with perfect aban-
don around the fire for quiet chat be-
fore turning in, their black attendants
meanwhile applying themselves with
much address to the disposal of the re-
mains of the feast.
Although the day was fast declining,
the sun had not yet gone down, but was,
as 1t were, amusing itself with the tree
tops and mountains, and lighting up
valleys and plains with occasional
bursts of golden glory before taking it's
final dip. The cattle were munching
their grain and juicy grass, and, with
the exception of the low hum of the lit
tie encampment and the occasional
chirp of the field cricket, all nature was
hushed, when, suddenly, the echoes
were awakened by sharp, roar rever-
berating through the valley below, and
bringing the hunters to their feet at a
bound. The roar was repeated, fol-
lowed by yells of men and screams of
women, and it did not take our friends
long to ascertain the direction from
whence the sudden alarm came.
They had remarked, when selecting
their camping ground, a couple Of
Caffre huts-probably Fingoes or
Gelakas-about a quarter of a mile dis
tant, on the verge of the first men
toned stream, and concluded that the
noise came from that quarter, and with
out more ado three white men saddled
up, took their arms and departed for
the scene.
On arriving they found that the oc-
cupants of the little kraal had fed with
the exception of youth of about sew
enteen, who was engaged in desperate
ly hurting assegais at a large lion
standing over PROSTATE body, and
short distance beyond they perceived
lioness holding down second human
form, while other lions and cubs were
leisurely devouring couple of Caffre
COWS.
Taking in this situation at glance,
our friends did not hesitate as to their
course; so, riding boldly forward, they
in turn delivered their fire at the first
lion as they dashed past, and wheeling
dose. Both beasts being wounded and
becoming furious, the hunters had to
observe great caution, for the animals
left their prey, and, roaring and lash
ing their TANKS with their tails, pre-
pared to attack their assailants; &C
cordingly Hardy, the leader, dis
mounted, supported closely by his
friends Ferguson and Overton, and, APP
preaching to within thirty yards of the
lion, knelt, took aim, fired straight at
the breast, stretching it dead with bull
let through his heart
They then quickly turned their atten-
ton to its mate, and none to soon, for
she had crept forward to within SPRING
ing distance; and it was lucky that
Hardy's weapon was double barreled,
as he had just time to cock his piece
and take aim when she, too bounded
upward. He fired the same as before,