As it was, they
shook and rattled so that pieces of mortar fell from the stones. Tommy
shrieked; and, fortunately for himself, fell back and tumbled head over
heels, or the lion's paws would have reached him. Captain Osborn and
Mr. Seagrave ran up to Tommy, and picked him up: he roared with fright
as soon as he could fetch his breath, while the lion stood at the bars,
lashing his tail, snarling, and showing his enormous fangs.
"Take me away--take me on board the ship!" cried Tommy, who was
terribly frightened.
"What did you do, Tommy?" said Captain Osborn.
"I won't throw any more stones, Mr. Lion; I won't indeed!" cried Tommy,
looking terrified towards the animal.
Mr. Seagrave scolded Tommy well for his foolish conduct, and by degrees
he became more composed; but he did not recover himself until they had
walked some distance away from the lion's den.
They then looked at the other animals which were to be seen, Tommy
keeping a most respectful distance from every one of them. He wouldn't
even go near to a Cape sheep with a broad tail.
When they had seen everything, they went back to the gentleman's house
to dinner; and, after dinner, they returned on board.
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