The lion looked down at the small, shrinking form, but he did not growl
or roar. Perhaps he was lonely and glad to have a companion. In some way
he must have told the dog that he need not be afraid, for presently the
little fellow put out his tongue and lapped his huge friend on the lips.
After that they were very good friends, and the lion often allowed the
little dog to tease him and pull his mane. When they were fed, the lion
stood back like a true gentleman, and let the dog have his dinner first.
He seemed to know that because he was so strong, he must be gentle to
the weak and helpless.
Gerard, the great lion-tamer, once brought home from Africa a baby lion.
He named it Hubert and for a time it was his pet and playmate.
When it grew large, Gerard sent it to Paris. The next year he went to
France and visited his pet. The lion was in a cage, and when he saw his
master, he began to quiver with excitement.
Gerard put his hand between the bars, and Hubert snuffed it eagerly.
"Hubert!" said the lion-tamer. "My old soldier!"
With a furious bound the lion sprang upon the bars. He stood close
against the grating and filled the building with his roars of joy. His
enormous tongue scraped his master's hand, while with his paws he vainly
tried to caress him.
Pages:
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65