266 HUNTING IN THE JUNGLE. 



reluctant was she to let aro that she was drac^g;ed the 

 length of the arena by the attendants as they removed 

 the remains, and was safely locked up with them in her 

 cage again. 



"'Now the time was come for the proof of The Sun, 

 who entered with the simple arms he had chosen, and 

 placed himself facing his king, whom he saluted. One 

 could not help admiring his coolness, as he stood with 

 folded arms awaiting the test ; the panther was loosed 

 from the opening at the opposite end of the arena, his 

 hair on end, his back creasiny like a cat's, ready for a 

 leap, his tongue protruding between his gleaming teeth. 

 Suddenly he drew himself together, and unbent like a 

 spring, bounding in a graceful curve upon his prey. The 

 sliock must have been frig;htful, but it did not overthrow 

 the man, nor did he lose his presence of mind. With his 

 left hand he forced the wooden block between the angry 

 jaws, which closed upon it, and with his right he buried 

 his poniard in the beast's shoulder. The latter fell in a 

 limp heap, tearing The Sun's knee with his claw as he 

 fell. This was his only wound ; and he had strength to 

 reach his despot's throne, and be received back into favor 

 by this easily convinced monarch. For my own part, I 

 prefer to trust to the average jury ! " 



