He would surely pass within twenty yards of the hunters. They were all in readiness. It was a critical moment.
Now the lion was just opposite.
Frank raised his rifle and took very careful aim. He made the beast’s side just back of the shoulder the mark, hoping to reach the heart.
Then he pulled the trigger.
However, a movement upon the lion’s part caused the ball to strike in the shoulder. The animal leaped in the air and came down facing the covert from which the shot had come.
“Look out!” cried Frank. “He’s coming! Take careful aim!”
There was need of this. With a roar which was deafening the lion made a forward spring.
But he never reached the covert.
Barney and Pomp fired almost in the same moment. One or both bullets struck a vital part, for the beast rolled over upon the ground and lay motionless.
“Whurroo!” yelled Barney, delightedly. “We’ve killed the baste!”