But, with the exception of his tail, he was making not the slightest motion, and that vibrated gently from side to side, just as a kitten that had caught a tiny mouse.

I could see, too, that his eyes were close shut, as though he were asleep! "Now I had heard that under such circumstances the lion may be approached without much danger.

Not that I wished to go any nearer--for I was near enough for my gun--but it was this recollection, I believe, that put me in the notion of firing.

At all events, something whispered me I would succeed, and I could not resist trying.
"The broad blind jaw of the brute was fair before me.

I took aim, and pulled trigger; but, instead of waiting to see the effect of my shot, I ran right off in an opposite direction.
"I did not halt till I had put several _acres_ of antelopes between myself and the place where I had last stood; and then I made the best of my way to the wagon.
"Long before I had reached it, I could see that Jan, and Truey, and Totty, were safe under the tent.