Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-07-15
A Lion Hunt i'm South Africa.

During the night lions have been prowling
about and keeping up hdeous roaring. SO ]
hurry away in front, with the prospect of
meeting one strOlling home in the gray light
of the early hours. The air is raw and cold.
so march at the double quick and recklessly
thrust my hands to the bottom of my pockets
in the happy Consciousness of not being in
Regent street. My two usual attendants in
my hunting excursions have considerably
shriveled up and have developed an ashy
complexion unpleasant to behold, as they
slink along shivering with cold, and doubt
less envy me my pc: :kets. We soon got q
considerable distance ahead of the caravan,
and began to keep sharp lookout for game
Several herds are deserted at a distance;
but not caring to go far out of the way, we
leave these unmolested. Matters, however,
do not become more promising, and we
begin to conclude there is to be no sport this
morning. just as that thought shapes itself,
down sinks the guide in Q crouching position,
while he excitedly whispers. "a lion lion !"
1nstinctiveiy we follow his example. After
a hurried glance at my rife cautiously raise
my head. Looking in the direction indicated
by my guide, | am mortified at seeing, al
ready fifty yards off, a fine lion leisurely
bounding away through the long grass.
Rising erect, fire precipitately. The lion,
unharmed simply pauses for a momentary
stare, and then continues its course. Grind
ing out an expression of intense vexation,
and yielding to the impulse Of the moment,
rush after the animal in hot haste. NY ser.
wants, less eager and more wise than /, re-
main where they were. 1t never occurs to
me that have only the remaining cartridge
of my double barrelled rifle for a possible
encounter with the enemy.
The movement Of the lion can only be
t.@ced by the shaking OF the grass, and with
eye intenty fixed on hat dash on pell- NELL
tripping, stumbling, and gasping for breath.
while my heart palpitates with the excitement
of the chase. We thus keep up the race for
about 800 yards, when all at once the shaking
of the gra7s ceases, reminding me that must
proceed with much more caution, lest l rush
abruptly into the fervent embraces of his
leouine bighDess-a contamination most de-
voutly TO be deprecated, seeing I have no
ambition for the worlds reprobatiOn and
warning epitaph. Moving on very stealthily
for some time. suddenly emerge into an
open space and as suddenly halt transfixed;
for there stands the lion at q distance of
little more than 10 yards. with It's side toward
me, and evidently awaiting my approach.
The momentary shock gives place instantly
to a strange feeling Of exultation. With such
a splendid opportunity for shot am sure Of
NY kame NchtAhy, hs ny udsn, picture
myself exhibiting the trophies of the encoun-
ter to an admiring troop Of friends. level
my gun. and bang! it goes. To my infinite
surprise, modification, and. as / think,
against all the laws Of reason, there is neither
the grand death spring nor the last tragic
roar. Unwounded and undaunted there
stands my dangerous antagonist, "staring
upon the hunter.'' 1t takes one or two Sec
| onds to let the grim realities of the situation
dawn upon my imagination.
Only too evidently the tables are turned
upon me. have no ammunition, and l dare
not fee. To fix him with my eye unfor-
| tunately does not occur to me as practicable.
On the contrary, have very distinct con-
sciousness that he has s.fixed" me, and that
should not be ungrateful for some convenient
tree from which might try the fascination
! Of the human gaze. Thus for little space,
which 10 me seemed hours, we stand face 70
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 l, limp and bedraggled. return TO my
men.-Good Words.