The Americans were soon joined by Noko and several of the bearers, who were attracted to the scene by the rifle shots.
Noko uttered a cry of surprise at the sight of the beasts.
“Um big simba,” he said, his eyes on the dead lions. “Dey bad simba. Um very bad.”
“Bad’s the right word for it,” said Joe gravely. “They wouldn’t have left a grease spot of us if given the chance. But they’ll not cause any trouble now.”
It required a long while for the scientists to complete the task of skinning the lions, but at last they finished and moved back to camp.
The whites received much praise from the bearers, who recognized at once that the brutes had been unusually dangerous. The blacks’ respect for the hunters appeared to be increased greatly. For anyone who could bring down such vicious adversaries as these must be fearless and daring.
The youths and their fathers did not remain up much longer. After the strenuous day they were more than ready for a good rest.
“Sleep well,” was the last Mr. Lewis said as he repaired to the tent.
But somehow Bob did not sleep well. Try as he did he could not divert his thoughts from the exciting lion hunt. True, he was sleepy and somewhat tired, but notwithstanding this he could not keep his eyelids closed.
He thought of going out to join the askari, or native guard, who was keeping watch some thirty feet away. But he changed his mind and decided to make another attempt to fall asleep.