All fled toward the house, pale with
fright. The little girl, Almira, who could not run so fast, lost her
footing and fell helpless on the ground as the lion was approaching her.
Antonio quickly seized a glowing fire-brand, swung it in circles and
thus renewed the flames. With this fiery torch whirling before him, he
walked boldly in the direction of the lion.
He knew that all animals fear fire. The lion stumbled, stood still,
shook his mane, uttered a roar that brought a thunderous echo from the
mountains, then slowly retreated, always keeping his eyes fixed upon the
torch. The enraged lion again stood still, growled and roared louder
than before, and once more stood ready to spring. Antonio plucked up
courage, and steadily swung his fiery weapon before him. The lion stood
still for the third time. Suddenly it turned, trotted up the mountain
path, and soon disappeared in the darkness of the approaching night.
In the meantime the frightened child had reached her mother, who had
tried hard to save her, but had found herself too helpless to move.
Almira sank into her mother's arms, overcome with the shock. The mother
pressed her child's pale face close to her own, and their tears mingled.
The father turned his eyes, full of gratitude, toward heaven. He drew
Antonio, inwardly trembling, close to his side and pressed his hands in
silent thanks. Little Aladin caressed his sister and said: "How glad I
am that you are saved. If Antonio had not been here, the lion would have
eaten you.
Pages:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40