“Look out! He is coming!”
Then the beast was upon them.
The three rifles cracked almost at point-blank range. But what was most singular was the fact that not one bullet took effect.
The lion came on and straight over the pile of bowlders.
It had already became evident that the hunters might expect a close encounter. This was a thrilling exigency to face.
“Whurroo!” shouted Barney, wildly. “Luk out fer yersilves ivery wan! Shure, the baste is roight here!”
This was the truth.
The next moment the lion was over the bowlders. Again the hunters fired. But either the bullets went wide or did not strike a vital part.
The lion came on, just the same.
He struck Barney full force. The Celt went down as if struck by a thunderbolt. The lion, however, was unable to cheek his momentum.