“But will they hunt the lion with just those spears?” asked C. C. Piper, wonderingly. “No guns, no revolvers for work at close quarters? I say, now. I think we ought to offer them the use of a gun or two.” “They’d feel insulted if you did,” said Mr. Hotchkiss. “It is their boast that they can kill lions with only their spears, with their shields for defense. They would scorn to use a gun. But we’ll soon see what’s up. Got your cameras ready, boys?” “We will have, soon,” replied Blake. “This doesn’t look much like lion country,” spoke Joe. “You never can tell,” answered the sergeant. By this time the advancing warriors, who wore only loin cloths, had come to a halt at the sight of the safari. They were a bold and savage-looking lot of men, and the absence of any women or children betokened that they were bent on desperate business. “Maybe they’re on the warpath,” suggested Mr. Duncan. “Can it be that savages, such as these, have carried off my little daughter?” “I hardly believe so,” answered the sergeant. “Certainly this particular tribe did not, for they don’t do such things. It is more likely some of the lower class African races. In fact, according to our information, none of the Masai were involved in the kidnapping. But they want a parley, I see.” The lion hunters had halted, and one, seemingly the chief, now advanced. There was nothing hostile in their actions, for doubtless the sight of the native porters, and hearing the marching songs they sung, told them that our friends were on a peaceful errand. But, as one’s life in Africa depends on the attitude of not only beasts, but savage men, it is best to take no chances. The chief of the lion hunters came forward and began to talk in a deep, almost booming voice. He used simple but effective gestures, and really seemed quite a dignified savage. “You forget that he hasn’t many clothes on, when you hear him talk,” said Joe. “That’s right,” agreed Blake; “I wonder what he is saying? Happy One seems to understand him.” This was so, and in a few moments the head porter and the chief lion hunter were in a friendly conversation. Then Sergeant Hotchkiss took part in it, as he understood some of the Masai language, and presently the former soldier said: “It’s just as I expected. They are out on the trail of a pair of lions that have carried off several of their cattle, and have injured some of their tribe. They invite us to go along, but they expressly stipulate that no guns are to be used.” “Not even if there is danger of the lion attacking them?” C. C. wanted to know.