"Well, but if they did, that isn't being brave as a lion, Joe. Why, when they killed the white ox, there were four of them, and they did it in the dark. I don't believe when you shot that the bullet went near either of the brutes." "No, but we scared them off." "They killed the poor old bullock first, though." "Well, didn't that give you a good idea of a lion's strength; the poor beast's neck was broken." "Let's show them to-day that we are stronger, and break _their_ necks," said Dyke. "Look out: they're gone." For the two great beasts suddenly plunged into a patch of broken ground, where great blocks of granite stood up from among the bushes, and sheltered them with larger growth. It was the only hiding-place in sight, and for this the lions had made, and now disappeared. "We shan't get a shot at them now, old chap," cried Emson; "they lie as snug as rats among those bushes. We want old Duke here." "Oh, don't give up," cried Dyke. "I know that place well; it's where I found the aardvark, and the bushes are quite open. I am sure we can see them." "Well, as you're so set on it, we'll try; but mind this, no riding in-- nothing rash, you know." "Oh, I'll take care," cried Dyke. "I shan't get hurt. You only have to ride right at them, and they'll run." "I don't know so much about that, old cocksure; but mind this, horses are horses, and I don't want you to get Breezy clawed." "And I don't want to get him clawed--do I, old merry legs?" cried the boy, bending forward to pat his nag's neck. "Sooner get scratched myself, wouldn't I, eh?" The little horse tossed up its head and shook its mane, and then taking his master's caress and words to mean a call upon him for fresh effort, he dashed off, and had to be checked. "Steady, steady, Dyke, boy," cried Emson; "do you hear?" "Please sir, it wasn't me," replied the boy merrily. "It was him." "No nonsense!" cried Emson sternly. "Steady! This is not play." Dyke glanced once at his brother's face as he rode up, and saw that it looked hard, earnest, and firm. "All right, Joe," he said quietly; "I will mind." The next minute they had cantered gently up to the patch, which was only about an acre in extent, and the bushes so thin and scattered that they could see nearly across where the lions had entered. But there was no sign of the cunning beasts. "Look here, Joe; you ride round that way, and I'll go this; then we are sure to see them." "Capital plan," said Emson sarcastically. "Bravo, general! weaken your forces by one-half, and then if I see them I can't fire for fear of hitting you, and you can't fire for fear of hitting me. Try again, clever one." "Oh, all right, you try," said Dyke, in an offended tone. "Ride round with me, then, either five yards in front or five behind. Will you go first?" "No, you go," said Dyke distantly. "Come along, then. Keep a sharp lookout, and if you get a good chance at the shoulder--fire. Not without."