In this lay the danger; for, should the lion perceive him and rush out by the window, it would be all over with the Bushman.
Like most of his race, Swartboy was more cunning than brave--though he was far from being a coward.

Still he was by no means inclined at that moment to go up to the door of the kraal.
The angry growls from within would have made a stouter heart than Swartboy's quail with fear.
In this dilemma Hendrik came to his relief.

Hendrik had conceived a way of getting possession of the string, without going near the door! Calling to Swartboy to be on his guard, he rode within thirty yards of the entrance--but on the other side from where Swartboy was--and there halted.

At the place there stood a post with several forks upon it, that had been used as a bridle-post.
Hendrik dismounted, hooked his rein over one of these forks; rested his yager across another; and then, sighting the shaft of the arrow, pulled trigger.

The rifle cracked, the broken stick was seen to fly out from the door, and the string was set free! All were ready to gallop off; but the lion, although he growled fiercely on hearing the shot, still lay close.
Swartboy now drew in the string; and, having adjusted it to a fresh arrow, moved round so as to command a view of the window.