The savage lion was a prisoner.
In vain he tried to release himself. Turning over merely tangled him up tighter, and in his struggle he almost broke a hind leg and choked himself to death.
He tried to run, and succeeded in carrying the whole apple tree several yards.
But the load was too much for him, and, with a roar of pain and rage, he at length became quiet.
In the meanwhile Daniel Hawkins and his wife had gone into the farmhouse and locked all the doors and lower windows.
They were now at an upper window watching proceedings.
“He’s got him, Daniel!” cried Mrs. Hawkins.
“The apple tree is down!” groaned the old farmer in reply. “Plague take the pesky critter!”
“Leo hez tied him fast!”
“Maybe he might git away an’ chew him up. Wish he would,” continued Daniel Hawkins.