Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-11-17
THE KING OF BEASTS.
A Lion Hunt i'm South Africa-A Per-
flOus and Exciting Sport.
from Good Wordsl

From Good words.]
During the night lions have been
prowling about and keeping up hid
eous roaring, so hurry away in front.
with the prospect of meeting one stroll.
ing home IN the gray light Of the early
hours. The air IS raw and Geld, SO
march at the double quick and reck-
lessly thrust my hands to the bottom Of
my pockets in the happy consciousness
| Of not being in Regent street. Ny two
usual attendants in my hunting excur-
sions have considerably shriveled up and
developed an ashy complexion unpleasant
to behold, as they stink along shivering
with cold, and doubtless envy me nv
pockets. We soon got a considerable
distance ahead of the caravan, and
began to keep sharp lookout for
game. Several herds are deserted at
q distance but, not caring to go far
out of the way, we leave these unmo-
Tested. Matters, however, do not become
more promising, and we begin to con-
clude there is TO be no sport this morn
ing. Just as that thought shapes itself,
down sinks the guide in crouching DO
sition, while he excitedly whispers. &c A
lion! ion" Instinctively we follow
his example. After hurried glance at
my rife I cautiously raise my head,
Looking in the direction Indicated by
my guide, am mortified at seeing.
already fifty yards of. l. fine lion leis.
ure1y bounding away through the long
grass. Rising erect, fire precipitately.
The lion, Unframed, simply pauses for
momentary stare, and then continues
its course. Grinding out SIN expression
OF intense vexation, and yielding TO the
impulse of the moment. rush after the
animal in hot haste. My servants, less
eager and more wise than I, remain
where they were. 1t never occurs to me
that have only the remaining cartridge
Of my double-barreled rife for posi-
bic encounter with the enemy.
The movement of the lion can only he
traced by the shaking Of the grass, and
with eye intently fixed on that dash on
pell nell, tripping, stumbling, and gasp
ing for breath, while my heart palpitates
with the excitement of the chase. We
thus keep up the race for about 500
yards. when all at once the shaking Of
the grass ceases, reminding me that
must proceed with much more caution.
lest l rush abruptly into the fervent en-
braces Of his leonine highness-a con-
summation most devoutly to be depre-
Gated, seeing have no ambition for the
worlds reprobation and warning cpl
taph. Moving on very stealthily for
some time, I suddenly emerge into an
open space and as suddenly halt trans
fixed; for there stands the lion at a
distance Of little more than fifteen
yards, with its side toward me, and evil
IDENTIFY awaiting my approach.
The momentary shock gives pace in.
stantly to astrange feeling of exultation.
With such a splendid opportunity for q
shot am sure of my game! Mentally,
as by flash, I picture myself exhibiting
the trophies of the encounter to an adj
miring troop OF friends. level nv gun
and bang it goes. To my Infinite sur
prise, modification, and, as I think,
against all the laws of reason, there is
neither the grand death spring nor the
last tragic roar. Unwounded and un-
daunted there stands my dangerous an
tagonist, staring upon the hunter +"
1t takes one or two seconds to let the
grim realities of the situation dawn upon
my imagination.
Only too evidently the tables are
turned upon me. Ihave no ammuni-
ton, and I dare not fec. To "tix" him
with my eye unfortunately does not oc-
cur to me as practicable. On the con.
trary, 1 have very distinct conscious
ness that he has IS fixed me. and that I
should not be ungrateful for some con-
venient tree from which might try the
fascination Of the human gaze. Thus
for little space, which to me seemed
hours, we stand face to face. The lion
seems uncertain what to do, but finally
resolves to treat me with contempt.
Turning with dignity, he gives one or
two powerful bounds and disappears in
the jungle, while I, limp and bedraggled,
return to my men.