The lion’s paw was resting on the back of his head, and as he turned round to relieve himself of the pressure, he saw the creature’s fiery eyes directed to the native teacher, who, at a distance of ten or fifteen yards, was making ready to shoot. The gun missed fire in both barrels; and the lion sprang at his new assailant, and bit him in the thigh. Another man also, who was standing near, was severely bitten in the shoulder; but at this moment the bullets took effect, and the huge beast fell back dead.
All this occurred in a few seconds: the death-blow had been inflicted before the animal sprang upon his assailants. Livingstone’s arm was wounded in eleven places, and the bone crushed into splinters; and the injuries might have proved fatal but for his tartan jacket, which wiped the poison from the lion’s teeth before they entered the flesh.
It was long ere the wounds healed, and all through life the intrepid missionary bore the marks of this dreadful encounter. Thirty years afterwards, when his noble and useful career had ended among the swamps of Central Africa, and his remains were taken to England to be interred in Westminster Abbey, the crushed and mangled arm was one of the marks which enabled his sorrowing friends in that country to identify the body as that of David Livingstone.
resumed (_re-zūmd´_) West´ min-ster in-trep´id ī-dĕn´tĭ-fy dĕv-as-tā´tions marauders (_ma-raw´ders_) as-sail´ants ĭg´no-rant sū-per-stĭ´tious (_-stish´us_) be-wail´ing Mab-tō´sa drow´si-ness ad-vent´ure
1. Settled as a missionary.--2. Terminated his earthly career.--3. Attacked the herds.--4. Feeble and faint-hearted.--5. To watch the manœuvres.--6. _A terrific roar echoed_ from the hill.--7. _Quaked_ with fear.--8. Streaming manes.--9. Wavering ranks.--10. Bewailing their want of success.--11. Steady aim.--12. _Discharged_ both barrels.--13. A shout of terror.--14. Momentary anguish.--15. Dreadful encounter.
XLIII.--THE FAIRIES OF CALDON-LOW. _A MIDSUMMER LEGEND._
“And where have you been, my Mary. And where have you been from me?” “I’ve been to the top of the Caldon-Low, The Midsummer night to see!”
“And what did you see, my Mary, All up on the Caldon-Low?” “I saw the blithe sunshine come down, And I saw the merry winds blow.”