"I don't know whether it would be wise to fire, and perhaps only wound the creature." "But perhaps I shall kill it," I said.
"It is doubtful, Joe," he replied, "and the noise of your piece would bring out our people, perhaps into danger.

Let us wait.

Here," he said, "I have it! This beast has been cautiously following us round, always keeping out of our sight.

I think now that the best way will be for you to continue the retreat round the fire while I stop here on one knee.

The beast will then follow you, and I shall get a good certain shot at him." I did not like the idea at all, for it seemed like setting a trap and making me the bait; but I said nothing beyond intimating that I would do as he wished, and he went on: "I shall be certain to hit the brute, but I may not kill, so be ready to fire in turn; you will get a good chance for a sure hit, the animal will be less cautious." "Stop a moment," I said.