He stopped awhile to listen to the incessant growling.
"You've hit him, but not, I think, mortally; anyway, we'll leave him, if he will leave us.

Move on towards the camp quietly--don't run." "No, sir," said Venning; but it required an effort not to make a bolt for it when he saw the friendly gleam of the fire.
Mr.Hume followed slowly, with his head over his shoulder, towards the place where the growling came from.

When he reached the fire he gave a great sigh of relief.
"Thank God.

Now tell us what happened, my boy;" and he put his hand on Venning's arm.
Venning started violently, for just then from the river there came a harsh, growling call; and no sooner had it ceased than the ground shook to a terrific roar.
"The lion answers the lioness," said the chief, calmly.
"Throw a little wood on the fire, Muata.

Now, my lad." Venning told his story, and Compton listened with intense excitement; but the hunter treated the whole thing calmly, with set purpose.