Part 25 (1/2)
”The lion-hunters affirer, the animal would have at last released his hold and left Gyt uninjured; that the grip of the lion was more from fear that the man would hurt him, than from any wish to hurt the nant at the cowardice of his co patience with the lion, at last drew his hunting-knife, which all the boors invariably carry at their side, and with all the power of his right arm thrust it into the lion's breast
”The thrust was a deadly one, for it was aiment, and Gyt was a bold and powerful man; but it did not prove effectual so as to save Gyt's life, for the enraged lion, striving in his death agonies to grapple with Gyt,--held at arth of desperation on the part of the boor,--so dreadfully lacerated with his talons the breast and arms of poor Gyt, that his bones were left bare
”At last the lion fell dead, and Gyt fell with him His cowardly cole froled body of Gyt to the nearest house Medical aid was at hand, but vainly applied, as on the third day, he died of a locked jaw Such was the tragical end of this rencounter, from the sheer cowardice of Gyt's companion
”I could mention many other instances in which lions have had men in their power and have not injured them, if they have neither atteiven enough already, not only to prove the fact of his general forbearance towardin the eye of man at which the lion and other aniive an instance that this fascinating effect, or whatever it may be, of the human eye, is not confined wholly to the lion,” said the Major
”One of our officers in India, having once ra the British enca was evidently most unexpected on both sides, and both partiesat each other The officer had no fire-arulation sword by his side; but that he kneould be of no defense if he had to struggle for life with such a fearful antagonist He was, however, a al tigerhi, like a lady's, that of his eyes, he directed theer He would have infinitely preferred a rifle, as he was not at all sure but that his eyeswhich the tiger had been crouched ready for his spring, the animal appeared disturbed and irresolute, slunk on one side, and then attempted to crawl round behind the officer
”This, of course, the officer would not perer turned, with the same constancy that, Toer then darted into the thicket, and tried to catch hi him by surprise; but our officer ide awake, as you o, at last went off himself, and the officer immediately went off too, as fast as he could, to the encalad to have heard your narrative, Major,” replied Swinton; ”for many doubts have been thrown upon the question of the power of the human eye, and your opinion is a very corroborative one”
”Do not you iine that the lion-tae of this peculiar fact?”
”I have no doubt but that it is one of their great helps; but I think that they resort to other means, which have increased the instinctive fear that the animals have of them I have witnessed these exhibitions, and always observed that the man never for awith or co
”I have observed that also; but what are the other means to which you allude?”
”I can not positively say, but I can only express an opinion Theeffects of a blow upon any part of the body, not only of man but of brutes, is a blow on the nose Many animals, such as the seal and others, are killed by it immediately, and there is no doubt but a severe blow on that tender part will paralyze alive him a dread for the future I believe that repeated blows upon the nose will go further than any other ine that these are resorted to: but it is only my opinion, recollect, and it must be taken for just as much as it is worth”
”Do not you think that animals may be tamed by kindness, if you can produce in them the necessary proportion of love and fear?”
”Yes, I was about to say every animal, but I believe soreat a fear of man, rather than froht be tamed Of course there are so power to ad ta a scorpion?”
”I believe that there is one anih taken as a cub, has resisted every atterizzly bear of North America”
”I have heard so too,” replied Swinton; ”at all events, up to the present time they have been unsuccessful It is an animal of most unamiable disposition, that is certain; and I would rather encounter ten lions, if all that they say of it is true But it is ti rather low Who has the watch?”
The Major rose and walked round to find the Hottentot as on that duty, and found him fast asleep After sundry kicks in the ribs, the fellow at last woke up
”Is it your watch?”
”Yaw, Mynher,” replied Big Ada out of his kaross
”Well, then, you keep it so well, that you will have no tobacco next time it is served out”
”Gentleo to sleep a little,” replied Adas
”Look to your fires, sir,” replied the Major, walking to his wagon