He was about to rush forward to the door, where he might deliver his fire close to the hated enemy, when a bright idea came into the brain of Swartboy; and the Bushman was heard calling out,-- "Baas! baas! we shut him up! we close da skellum up." There was good sense in this suggestion--there was plausibility in it.
Von Bloom saw this; and, desisting from his previous intention, he determined to adopt Swartboy's plan.
But how was it to be executed?
The door still hung upon its hinges, as also the window-shutter.

If they could only get hold of these, and shut them fast, they would have the lion secure, and might destroy him at their leisure.
But how to shut either door or window in safety?
That was the difficulty that now presented itself.
Should they approach either, the lion would be certain to see them from within; and, enraged as he now was, would be sure to spring upon them.
Even if they approached on horseback to effect their purpose, they would not be much safer.

The horses would not stand quiet while they stretched out to lay hold of latch or handle.

All three of the animals were already dancing with excitement.

They knew the lion was inside, an occasional growl announced his presence there--they would not approach either door or window with sufficient coolness; and their stamping and snorting would have the effect of bringing the angry beast out upon them.
It was clear, then, that to shut either door or window would be an operation of great danger.