THE MONKEY TRIBES 



245 



have been known to kill frequently in this way other monkeys which 

 had offended them and fallen into their power. But, like all wild 

 creatures, these animals have also their own dreaded foes, against 

 whose wiles and steady approach even their great cunning avails but 

 little. The leopard is the one they hold most in fear, and he often 

 succeeds in snatching an individual from the midst of its companions. 

 Great is their consternation and indescribable the commotion occa- 

 sioned among them at such an event. Rage and fear possess them at 



SACRED BABOON 

 Once held sacred in Egypt 



the same moment, and to the desire for revenge, at the loss of one of 

 their number, is added the reluctance to approach too near their sharp- 

 clawed adversary, which exhibits the most supreme indifference to 

 their movements. Having gained a comparatively safe place of 

 retreat, they make all kinds of hideous grimaces at their feline admirer, 

 the leopard, howling their anger, and making a liberal exhibition of 

 their white teeth. At such times some important individual strides up 



