FOUGHT FOE BY LIONS.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 717, 29 March 1900, Page 3

FOUGHT FOE BY LIONS.

An agent for a Hamburg firm that deals in wild animals was riding along the bank of a Transvaal stream, when his horse suddenly reared aud threw him, and then ran away. The man picked himself up, only slightly bruised and was calling to the fleeing horse, when a monster lion rose up from behind a bush. The agent's rifle had been strapped to the saddle and his revolvers were in the holsters on the horse's back, so there was nothing to do but run. Luckily there was an ' opening in a rock close by and into this he squeezed himself. The hole was irregular and ran back nearly eight feet but was too narrow for the lion to enter, and he could not reach the intended victim with his paws. When ' he found the man was beyond his reach he grew furious and growled and bit at the rocks. The agent at first rather enjoyed the situation feeling that his fortress was secure, and taunted the lion by shouting and kicking at him. The camp was only six miles distant, a search would soon be made for him, and the lion would soon lay down for a nap, so the man argued, but the lion had other views. Hour after hour passed, no help came, and the lion did sleep, but right in front of the opening. Tho agent assuaged his thirst by licking the damp rocks, but was terribly cramped and now quite anxious. But deliverance came in an unexpectel form. Another lion happened that way, and in two minutes a terrific battle was in progress. The agent listened to the sounds of combat until they finally ceased, and then carefully came out and made a bee-line for the camp.