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Again and again was the awful sound repeated and each time she was certain

that it came nearer. She could locate the direction of this sound although she

could not that of the guns, for the origin of the former was much closer. The lion

was up wind and so could not have caught her scent as yet, though he might be

approaching to investigate the light of the fire which could doubtless be seen for a

considerable distance.

For another fear-filled hour the girl sat straining her eyes and ears out into the

black void beyond her little island of light. During all that time the lion did not

roar again; but there was constantly the sensation that it was creeping upon her.

Again and again she would start and turn to peer into the blackness beyond the

trees behind her as her overwrought nerves conjured the stealthy fall of padded

feet. She held the rifle across her knees at the ready now and she was trembling

from head to foot.

Suddenly her horse raised his head and snorted, and with a little cry of terror the

girl sprang to her feet. The animal turned and trotted back toward her until the

picket rope brought him to a stand, and then he wheeled about and with ears up-

pricked gazed out into the night; but the girl could neither see nor hear aught.

Still another hour of terror passed during which the horse often raised his head

to peer long and searchingly into the dark. The girl replenished the fire from time

to time. She found herself becoming very sleepy. Her heavy lids persisted in

drooping; but she dared not sleep. Fearful lest she might be overcome by the

drowsiness that was stealing through her she rose and walked briskly to and fro,

then she threw some more wood on the fire, walked over and stroked her horse's

muzzle and returned to her seat.

Leaning against the saddle she tried to occupy her mind with plans for the

morrow; but she must have dozed. With a start she awoke. It was broad daylight.

The hideous night with its indescribable terrors was gone.

She could scarce believe the testimony of her senses. She had slept for hours, the

fire was out and yet she and the horse were safe and alive, nor was there sign of

savage beast about. And, best of all, the sun was shining, pointing the straight

road to the east. Hastily she ate a few mouthfuls of her precious rations, which

with a swallow of water constituted her breakfast. Then she saddled her horse

and mounted. Already she felt that she was as good as safe in Wilhelmstal.

Possibly, however, she might have revised her conclusions could she have seen

the two pairs of eyes watching her every move intently from different points in the

bush.

Tarzan the Untamed