Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-04-17

working Its tongue round the outside
OF its huge mouth. But it did not eX-
hiblt much surprise or curiosity about
us. a slight glitter in its 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. L felt the snub,
and Bob said something about lion s
cheek taking the cake, but [ was be-
yond modern proverbs now, and
looked upon this horrid animal as q
personal enemy.
1t was very annoying to be made to
feel small by lion in such filthy con-
dition. We didn't get roar or half q
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-
sidered such small fry. He said he'd
go round and get flank shot, and
told me to stay where 1 was and not
let him pass me; whilst the boy was
sent around to the other flank to
chuck a spear at him. SO it looked
as though Mr.. Lion was to be inter
rupted, and possibly annoyed too.
Meanwhile he continued his break
fast, making nasty noise as he
did so.s Bob and the "Tottie"
departed, and left me standing very
quiet, and trying to look amiable
III case the lion looked up and thought
oflnquiring into my business. | kept
my rifle close to my leg, too; in fact,
went out of my way to keep the sit
uation peaceful. In a minute or two
the lion did look up-and at me. 1
smiled; the lion returned the saluta-
ton, somewhat grimly, it is true, but
1T was decided return all the same.
l felt a 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 rest, a spear whizzed
just above the lions head, transfxed
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 a tinge of sadness.
read his thoughts. He was disap.
pointed with me. He connected me
with that spear, and put me down as Q
humbug.
This was vexing because it was sc
, true; however, sentiment OH each side
, had gone, more particularly when 6
!, second spear went through the lions
fore-paw. Up went his head, and c
snarl of such intense malignity came
T from him, that almost before l knew
it | had sent a bullet at him, which
went through the loose skin at the
back of his neck. L aimed to hit Just
behind the ear, and can't to this day
=, determine why [ did not kill that
= lion. forget what excuse I made af
terwards; it was fairly good one, ]
! know. We were now in for it, and
: no mistake. The wounded beast was
in horrid temper about one thinl
and another. 1t sprang out, SO as tc
! get clear idea of the situation, anf
seemed to gather impressions that ]
-, was at the root of the whole business.
8 l wasn't smiling now.
q At this moment, however, it caugh'
/ sight of the Tottie, who wanted to ge
| his spear out of the leg of the OK, ant
| who was lodging around in highly
suspicious manner. His behavior
! caused the lion to reverse his iudg
. ment of me; he, as it were, bound mt
s over to keep the peace for few min
y utes, whilst he attended to the Tot
: ties affairs. That meant lash o
). the tail, deep growl, a crouch, and
: spring. In mid-air, bullet from
= Bob broke his fore-paw, or the mig
4 gers skull would have been smashed
!. in, hard as it was. Instead, however
l. OF this happening, the lion came full
T. bounce against the unfortunate man
and crushed HIM to the ground
s There they got mixed up in strug
!. gle, which was too much too one
sided
l Not sound came from the blacl
e chap, but the lion was humming
J. nasty tune. Bob and I fired; tn
it smoke hung low-we rushed to ge
Z clear of it, and saw the lion limpin
g off into the bush with the man in hi
! mouth. ne had seized him by tn