The alarm was at once given, and sticks, stones and
firebrands were hurled in the direction of the
intruder. All was of no avail, however, for the
lion burst into the midst of the terrified group,
seized an unfortunate wretch amid the cries and
shrieks of his companions, and dragged him off
through the thick thorn fence. He was joined
outside by the second lion, and so daring had the
two brutes become that they did not trouble to carry
their victim any further away, but devoured him
within thirty yards of the tent where he had been
seized. Although several shots were fired in their
direction by the jemadar of the gang to which the
coolie belonged, they took no notice of these and
did not attempt to move until their horrible meal
was finished.

Chapter 6