We had hardly gone half the distance when one of the tent boys was seen far ahead, riding the one mule that we had dared to bring down the Tana River.

It was evident that something important had occurred and we hurried on to meet him.
"_Simba!_" he shouted, as soon as he could be heard.

In a moment we had the details.

One of the saises had seen two lions, a large male and female, quite near the camp.

Porters were instructed to watch the beasts until we should arrive, and now were supposed to be in touch with them.
We omitted luncheon and struck off at once in the direction indicated by the tent boy.