This is, however, but a harmless adventure compared with a subsequent escapade—­not with one, but with six lions.  It was the hunter’s habit to lay wait near the drinking-places of these animals, concealed in a hole dug for the purpose.  In such a place on the occasion in question, Mr. Cumming—­having left one of three rhinoceroses he had previously killed as a bait—­ensconsed himself.  Such a savage festival as that which introduced the adventure, has never before, we believe, been introduced through the medium of the softest English and the finest hot-pressed paper to the notice of the civilized public.  “Soon after twilight,” the author relates, “I went down to my hole with Kleinboy and two natives, who lay concealed in another hole, with Wolf and Boxer ready to slip, in the event of wounding a lion.  On reaching the water I looked toward the carcase of the rhinoceros, and, to my astonishment, I beheld the ground alive with large creatures, as though a troop of zebras were approaching the fountain to drink.  Kleinboy remarked to me that a troop of zebras were standing on the height.  I answered, ‘Yes,’ but I knew very well that zebras would not be capering around the carcase of a rhinoceros.  I quickly arranged my blankets, pillow, and guns in the hole, and then lay down to feast my eyes on the interesting sight before me.  It was bright moonlight, as clear as I need wish, and within one night of being full moon.  There were six large lions, about twelve or fifteen hyenas, and from twenty to thirty jackals, feasting on and around the carcases of the three rhinoceroses.  The lions feasted peacefully, but the hyenas and jackals fought over every mouthful, and chased one another round and round the carcases, growling, laughing, screeching, chattering, and howling without any intermission.  The hyenas did not seem afraid of the lions, although they always gave way before them; for I observed that they followed them in the most disrespectful manner, and stood laughing, one or two on either side, when any lions came after their comrades to examine pieces of skin or bones which they were dragging away.  I had lain watching this banquet for about three hours, in the strong hope that, when the lions had feasted, they would come and drink.  Two black and two white rhinoceroses had made their appearance, but, scared by the smell of the blood, they had made off.  At length the lions seemed satisfied.  They all walked about with their heads up, and seemed to be thinking about the water; and in two minutes one of them turned his face toward me, and came on; he was immediately followed by a second lion, and in half a minute by the remaining four.  It was a decided and general move, they were all coming to drink right bang in my face, within fifteen yards of me.”