104 THE GENEROUS LION AND HIS ASSAILANTS,

towards him, he almost covered him with his huge fore-paws,
It was believed that the dog was dead. In a short time,
however, it began to move, and was allowed by the lion to
struggle to its feet ; but when the dog attempted to run away,
the lion, with two bounds, reached it, showing it how com-
pletely it was in his power. |

 

Pity, or it may have been scorn, now seemed to move the
heart of the noble lion. He stepped back a few paces, and
allowed the dog to escape through the door opened for the
purpose, while the beholders uttered loud shouts of applause.

Stee