Gerard, the great lion-hunter, captured a whelp in the mountains of Jebel-Meziour (Algiers), and named it "Hubert,' and brought it up as he would bring up a dog from puppyhood, until the child of the "king of the desert" regarded him with a dog's affection, and followed him everywhere. After some time, his huge pet becoming too dangerous to go at large, Gerard made a present of the animal to his friend the Duc d' Aumale; and Hubert traveled to Paris in a big cage, bemoaning his separation from his old master. The next year, Gerard himself visited Paris, on leave of absence from the army, and went at once to the Jardin des Plantes, to see his exiled favorite. He describes the interview as follows:—
Hubert was lying down, half-asleep, regarding at intervals with half-shut eyes the persons who were passing and repassing before him. All of a sudden, he raised his head, his tail moved, his eyes dilated, a nervous motion contracted the muscles of his face. He had seen the uniform of the Spahis, but had not yet recognized his friend. I drew nearer and nearer; and, on longer able to restrain my emotion, I stretched out my hand to him through the bars.
Without ceasing his earnest gaze, he applied his nose to my hand, and drew in knowledge with a long breath. At each inhalation, his attitude became more noble, his look more satisfied and affectionate. Under the uniform that had been so dear to him, he began to recognize the friend of his heart.
