"I don't know," replied the Greek. "We must stop soon and wait for daylight. We ought to be close to the stone kraal by this time."
While conversing they had crossed another slight swell, and they were half way down the hollow when a hoarse cry from Melton brought them to a halt.
The scene before them was enough to appall the stoutest heart. Twenty yards away lay a broad pool of water and along its sandy edge were grouped half a dozen great lions, some lapping up the water greedily, others sitting lazily on their haunches, waiting no doubt for some fat deer to pass that way.
A low chorus of growls greeted the approach of the travelers, and made them shiver from head to foot.
"Shall I fire?" whispered Guy excitedly.
"No, for your life, no," retorted Canaris. "Back up the hill as silently as possible. Don't shoot unless we are attacked."
With arms in readiness they moved backward step by step. The lions began to pace up and down the strip of sand, tossing their shaggy heads toward the frightened men, and then the leader, a monstrous fellow with a mane that swept the ground, advanced a few paces and uttered a tremendous roar that seemed to shake the earth.
Guy cocked his rifle, but at the sharp click Canaris turned on him fiercely.
"Don't shoot," he whispered. "Don't shoot. If we can get over the ridge we may escape. I don't think they will attack us."
In a moment more they reached the crest of the slope. The lions were still down by the pool.