The National tribune., 1899-03-16

gulch, and finally stood before the lion
stronghold-an irregular shelf backed b,
precipices Steep, rough slopes stretched
upward to that terrace now reached, similar
activities separated it from the lair, and i
was strewn with bowlders-many of great
size-that had fallen off the cliffs above
Beauvai5. with much reasoning, disposed hi.
friends on top of these fragments, where they
remained in at least comparative security.
Two men, however, he sent round to climb
the precipicc and throw down stones. which
act it was supposed would fully rouse an
animal 50 little backward at taking offense.
No one doubted that the lion would accept
their challenge; nor did so befall, although
his coming was TO different purpose than
might have been the case if these hunters
had been left 10 themselves. Even Arab
guns will Kill at short range if they are
pointed straight, and men shooting down
from rocks must have better chances than if
standing fast III an open. These considera-
tons at length Gawned on the minds of all,
and they waited IN a newborn hope of con-
quering their enemy and putting an end to
his tyranny. lie was the grave of a thou
sand oxen. said the Sheik: man. woman.
and child had bled under his fangs Despite
al the enornities attributed to him. how
ever, this lion of Bar-i-Noured was a most
noble-looking and fearless animal He be-
longed to species in which boldness is
Characteristic.
Events occurred as had been anticipated.
Bot few missiles had fallen befoIe the SUM
bering lion awOke iii wrath; then stalked into
view, with sweeping name, superbly menac-
ing. He looked aloit, and saw his foes posi-
ton to lie unassailab.e Immediately, how
ever, yells and excavations from those
beneath broke that silence which had hereto
fore been maintained, and turning towards
them, his flashing eyes did not see what they
were accustomed 10 behold-a compact BODY
of adyeTsaries like those he had scattered
before. These enemies were now arrayed i'm
an unusual order, and he was confused.
Nevertheless, the place has yet to be found
where lion, if ne stands at all, will bear
much bullying. His limit of forbearance
Is soon reached, be those dangers impending
what they may.
In the midst OF Arab reyiings to which
came responses in fierce growls and snarls.
Beauvais tried shot ut long range This
only slightly wounded the lions flank: but
1T put an end 10 every trace of caution or doubt
upon his part. Roaring at every spring, the
beast swept downward like an avalanche
embodiment Of desperate rage, Of incarnated
destructiyeness, rushing amidst swirl of
dust, flying single, and the scattered spray
OF rent foliage A Struggling, ill-aimed
voiley stopped him no more than so much
hail patterlng around. His form cleaned
an instant over one OF the rocks, and man
was swept away like withered leaf. Another
he dragged down by his floating burnous and
struck dead. A third fell from fright or
accident, to be instantly bitten through the
body
Here and there the lion ragged, fitting
from place 10 place like some grim specter-
as eyasiye and impossible to fix. Yet these
Arabs were brave; they reloaded and fired
not Intellectually, if without fatal results.
More than this, nothing alive could continue
such exertions for any length of time. His
blood streamed from several wounds before
Beauvals got true aim. At length how
ever, after an unsuccessful leap, the animal
cropched moment motionless, and then two
ragged bullets tore through his chest.
Something-who knows what-told this
savage warrior that his race was run. There
is no lifting of the vail which covers such
mental processes from mans sight: yet now
was seen one of those magnificent if unreal
mimickries of heroic fortitude that the death
hour of lion alone can show. Safe on their
posts of vantage his barbaric foes showered
insults and injuries on this dying hero of the
waste, but they were unheeded Wheeling,
he liked an unfaltering gaze upon the man
who slew him. standing unmoe ed as the
foam bills IL his life-blood gathered fast and
faster then tottered and swayed, yet stood
defiant still. his Last gasp parting as he fell.