A CAMP CONSULTATION, 81 



calling and answering one another close at hand, 

 which Chineah said was the cry of ghoonts or 

 demons, but by the light of the moon I perceived 

 that the noises came from a couple of tiger-cats. 

 When wounded, these animals will fly at their 

 assailant in the most ferocious manner ; and I 

 think I never saw any creature fight so desperately, 

 or one that is so exceedingly tenacious of life. It 

 takes a very good dog indeed that will kill a tiger- 

 cat single-handed ; and I have seen many a hound, 

 that would pin a deer or tackle a bear without 

 hesitation, fight shy of one of these wild-looking 

 animals, for when they are enraged every hair on 

 their body stands on end, making them look twice 

 as large as they really are. 



When we returned to our people we found the 

 tent pitched, the dinner under weigh, and every- 

 thing comfortably arranged for passing the night, 

 so we adjourned to a pool at the foot of a small 

 murmuring cascade, and refreshed ourselves with 

 a most delightful bath before sitting down to table; 

 after which we assembled our people round the 

 log-fire, and held a solemn consultation as to the 



