CHAPTER 15.
The bell of the government clock was sounding three when Tartarin awoke.
He had slept all evening, all night, all morning and even a good part of the afternoon.

It has, of course, to be admitted that over the preceding three days the chechia had had a pretty rough time.
His first thought on waking was "Here I am, in lion country!" and it must be confessed that this notion that he was surrounded by lions and was about to go in pursuit of them produced a marked chill, and he buried himself safely under the bedclothes.
Soon, however, the gaiety of the scene outside, the sky so blue, the bright sunshine which flooded into his room through the large window which opened towards the sea, and a good meal which he had served in bed, washed down by a carafe of wine, quickly restored his courage.

"To the lions! To the lions!" He cried, and throwing off the bed clothes he dressed himself hurriedly.
His plan of action was this.

Leave town and go well out into the desert.
Wait until nightfall.

Lie in hiding, and at the first lion that comes along...