He roared terribly; but, for
an instant, he remained where he stood--surprised into inaction,
doubtless, by the strange apparition that had sprung so unexpectedly
from the jungle.
Other eyes were upon Meriem, too--eyes in which were no less surprise
than that reflected in the yellow-green orbs of the carnivore. A
white man, hiding in a thorn boma, half rose as the young girl
leaped into the clearing and dashed toward the kid. He saw Numa
hesitate. He raised his rifle and covered the beast's breast. The
girl reached the kid's side. Her knife flashed, and the little
prisoner was free. With a parting bleat it dashed off into the
jungle. Then the girl turned to retreat toward the safety of the
tree from which she had dropped so suddenly and unexpectedly into
the surprised view of the lion, the kid and the man.
As she turned the girl's face was turned toward the hunter. His
eyes went wide as he saw her features. He gave a little gasp of
surprise; but now the lion demanded all his attention--the baffled,
angry beast was charging. His breast was still covered by the
motionless rifle.
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