THE PANTHEK. 91 



wliich the panther was seated, the branches of the 

 trees intermingling. By this means he got quite 

 near the panther, and when he saw him there was 

 only a few yards between them. The panther 

 seemed to be calculating the length and vigour of 

 its spring; hesitating, however, lest the branch 

 should not be able to bear the shock. The Indian, 

 armed with spear and bowie-knife, awaited the beast 

 of prey as it cautiously advanced, fixing its sharp 

 claws into the slippery bark of the tree, and creep- 

 ing on inch by inch, whilst its green eye shone with 

 sanguinary brightness. It was a remarkable sight, 

 though we had an instinctive feeling that, great as 

 was the danger, the man would conquer the animal. 

 We could not help admiring the elegance, vigour, and 

 suppleness of the panther. Suddenly the Eed Skin 

 raised his spear and struck the panther a blow^, to 

 which the only reply was a hoarse, deep roar. The 

 animal then skulked behind a branch, which pro- 

 tected it. Presently the Carib saw the jaws wide 

 open, and darted in the point of his spear, which 

 had the effect of producing another howl fiercer 

 than before. The panther extended a paw, as if 

 to seize a branch, which would have raised it on a 

 level with its foe. The situation was becoming' 

 critical. The enormous paws were close to the knee 

 of the Eed Skin, and the short, deep breathings of 

 the brute indicated the tremendous effort which was 

 about to be made. My friend and I would have put 



