He did not, seemingly, expect an answer to his remark, for, as he ceased speaking, he stepped before one of the windows and stood for a moment looking out upon the courtyard.
"See!" said he suddenly, motioning to me.
I stepped to his side and, looking through the window, saw Rayel running across the lawn with the lion on his shoulders.

When the beast sprang down he seized it by the mane and tossed it about like one with the strength of Hercules.

Here was a man who exercised his rightful dominion over animated nature! "The beast is very fond of him," said my uncle, "and a movement of his finger is sufficient to control it." "Why did you adopt a pet so terrible ?" I asked.
"To secure isolation," he answered.

"He's an object of terror to intruders, and a source of delight to us." "You have snakes here, too," I ventured.
"Yes, and for the same reason, But they can't harm you now.

Since you came we have killed them.