130 THE PUMA, OR AMERICAN LION. 



country. A pack of large ugly curs were already 

 engaged in making acquaintance with those of the 

 squatter. He and myself mounted his two best 

 horses, whilst his sons were bestriding others of in- 

 ferior quality. 



" Few words were uttered by the party until we 

 had reached the edge of the swamp, where it was 

 agreed that all should disperse, and seek for the 

 fresh track of the painter, it being previously settled 

 that the discoverer should blow his horn, and remain 

 on the spot until the rest should join him. In less 

 than an hour, the sound of the horn was clearly 

 heard ; and, sticking close to the squatter, off we 

 went through the thick woods, guided only by the 

 now and then repeated call of the distant huntsman. 

 We soon reached the spot, and in a short time the 

 rest of the party came up. The best dog was sent 

 forward to track the cougar, and in a few minutes 

 the whole pack were observed diligently trailing, and 

 bearing in their course for the interior of the swamp. 

 The rifles were immediately put in trim, and the 

 party followed the dogs, at separate distances, but 

 in sight of each other, determined to shoot at no 

 other game than the panther. 



" The dogs soon began to mouth, and suddenly 

 quickened their pace. My companion concluded 

 that the beast was on the ground ; and, putting our 

 horses to a gentle gallop, we followed the cur?, guid- 

 ed by their voices. The noise of the dogs increased* 

 when, all of a sudden, their mode of barking became- 



