The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1882-07-06
Chasing a Lion in South Africa.

During the night lions have been
prowling about and keeping ZIP q
hideous roaring, so hurry away in front
with the prospect OF meeting one stroll
ing home i'm the gray light of the early
hours. The air Is raw and cold, SO 1
march at the double-quick and reckless
ly thrust my hands 10 the bottom Of my
pockets in the happy consciousness OF
not being in Regent street. My two. usual
attendants in my hunting expeditions
have considerably shriyeled up. and
have developed an ashy complexion un-
pleasant to behold, and they stink around
shivering with the cold and doubtless
envying me my pockets.
We soon get considerable distance
ahead of the caravan, and begin TO keep
sharp look out for game. Several
herds are described at distance;
but, not caring TO go far out of the way,
we leave these unmolested. Matters.
/ however, do not become more promis-
ing, and we begin to conclude there is
to be no sport this morning. just as
that thought shapes itself down sinks
the guide in crouching position, while
he excitedly whispers: " A lionl liOn"
Enstinctively we follow bis example.
After a hurried glance at my rifle L
cautiously raise my head. Looking in
lltb AiIGtblOM llnlfnhtu ny blAf kulAb
/ am mortified at seeing n fine lion
leisurely bounding away through the
long grass. Rising erect ! fire pre-
cipitately. The lion, unframed, simply
pauses for a momentary stare and then
continues its course. Grinding out an
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
/, remain where they were. IL never
occurs to me that have only the re-
naming cartridge of my double-barreled
rife for a possible encounter with the
enemy.
The movements Of the lion can only
be traced by the shaking Of the grass.
and with eye intently fixed on that
dash on pcll-mell, tripping, stumbling
and gasping for breath, while my heart
palpitates with the excitement of tho
chase We thus keep up the race for
about 800 yards, when all at once the
shaking of the grass ceases, reminding
me that / must proceed with much more
caution lest / rush abruptly into the
ferVent embraces of his leonine high
ness-a consummation most deYoutly TO
be deprecated, seeing have no anibi
tion for the worlds reprobation and a
warning epitaph, Moving on very
stealthily for some time l suddenly
emerge into an open space, and as sud-
denly halt transhxed; for there stands
the lion at distance of little more
than fifteen yards, with its side toward
me, and evidently awaiting my ap-
prOach. The momentary shock gives
place instantly 10 strange feeling Of ex-
ultation. With such splendid Oppor-
tunity for n shot / am sure OF my camel
Mentally as bV a flash, i picture my
self exhibiting the trophies Of tho
encounter to an admiring troop Of
friends. / level my gun, and bang IN
goes To my infinite modification, and.
as j think, against all the laws Of
reason, there is neither the grand death
spring nor the last tragic roar. Dn-
wounded and undaunted, there stands
my dangerous antagonist, 'staring upon
the hunterp' II takes one or two
seconds TO let the grim realities OF tho
situation dawn upon my Imagination.
Only too evidently are the tables turned
upon me. have no ammunition, ana
dare not fee. To 'hx" him with my
eye unfortunately does not occur TO me
as practicable. On the contrary 4
have a very distinct CONSEQUENCES mat
he has fixed me, and that / should
not be unRFateful for some convenient
tree from which j might try the fasci-
nation Of the human gaze. Thus Tor n
little space. which TO me seemed hours,
we stand face TO face. The lion seems
uncertain what 10 do, but finally re-
solves % treat me with contempt
Turning with dignity, he gives one or
two powerful bounds and disappears in
the Jungle, while j, limp and be-
draggled, return to my mcn.-Good
Words.