The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1899-04-11

trying to secure more effectually by
working its tongue round the outside
OF its huge mouth. But it did not ex-
hlbit much surprise or curiosity about
us. A slight glitter in ita eyes, and a
deep hum with banjo discord in it,
was all the brute thought necessary for
the occasion, and then down went its
great head again. [ felt the snub,
and Bob said something about lions
cheek taking the cake, but was be-
yond modern proverbs now, and
looked upon this horrid animal as O
personal enemy.
1t was very annoying to be made to
feel small by alion in sucha filthy con.
d;tion. We didn't get a roar or half n
one, nor had he taken the trouble TO
lash his tail; he had indeed barely
acknowledged our presence, and then
gone on with his meal like a company
promoter. 1t wasn't lion -like-at least
not book lion-like. / could see Bob
was very much annoyed at being con-
sldered such small fry. He said he'd
so round aud get flank shot, and
told me to stay where L was and not
let him pass me; whilst the bov was
sent around to the other flank to
chuck spear at him. SO it looked
as though Mr.. Lion was to be inter-
rupted, and possibly annoyed too.
Meanwhile he continued his break
last, making nasty noise as he
did 50. Bob and the "Tottie"
departed, and left me standing very
quiet, and trying to look amiable
in case the lion looked up and thought
oflnqulrlng into my business. kept
my ride close to my leg, too; in fact,
/ went out of my way to keep the SIT
uation peaceful. In minute or two
the lion did look up-and at me. /
smiled; the lion returned the saluta-
ton, somewhat grimly, it is true, but
1T was decided return all the same
l felt kind of modern Androcles.
1t was somewhat trying to hang on
to one set smile, but kindness costs
nothing in cases OF this sort As I
was considering whether it would be
safe or nice to speak pleasantly and
give the smile n rest, spear whizzed
Just above the lions head, transixed
the left hind leg of the OK, and stuck
there. That Hottentot had DESTROYED
the situation. Where was Bob and
his flank movement? The lion looked
at the quivering sphere, and the ex-
preston on his face changed to one of
annoyance, with n tinge of sadness.
| real his thoughts. He was disap-
pointed with me. He connected me
with that spear, and put me down as a
humbug.
This was vexing because it was so
true; however, sentiment on each side
| had gone, more particularly when n
second spear went through the lions
fore-paw. Up went his head, and n
snarl OF such intense malignity came
| from him, that almost before / knew
| 1T ] had sent a bullet at him. which
went through the loose skin at the
back OF his neck. / aimed TO hit lust
/ behind the ear, aud can't TO this day
determine why I did not kill that
| lion. forget what excuse made af-
terwards; it was fairly good one,
know. We were now in for it, and
no mistake. Tho wounded beast was
I in q horiid temper about one thing
and another. 1t spraug ont. so as to
| get q clear idea Of the situation. and
I seemed TO gather Impressions that I
\ was at the root of the whole business.
L wasn't smiling now.
At this moment, however. it caught
| sight Of the Tottie, who wanted TO get
his spear out Of the leg of the OK, and
who was lodging around in a highly
| suspicious manner. His behavior
caused the lion to reverse his iudg-
meut Of me; he, rs it we're, bound me
/ over to keep the peace for n few min
utcs, whilst he attended 10 the Tot
/ ties affairs. That meant lash of
Che tail, a deep growl, n crouch. and n
/ spring. In mid-air, n bullet from
Bob broke his fore-paw, or the mig
| gers skull would have been smashed
IN, hard rs it was. Instead, however.
/ of this happening, the lion came full
bounce against the unfortunate man.
and crushed hum 20 tho ground.
/ There they got mixed up in n struq-
| gle, which was too much too one
sided
Not q sound came from the black
chap, but The lion was humming a
nasty tune. Bob and / fred: the
smoke hung lowe rushed to Qe,
clear of it., and saw the lion lmpinp
of into the bush with the man in his
mouth re had seized him by th,