DANGEROUS GAME. IJ 



color, paler on the sides and losing itself in the pure white of the belly. He is cov- 

 ered with numerous annular or oval black spots, the sides and part of the tail 

 showing distinct roses, made by the near approach of three or four elongated small 

 dark spots, which surround a central area, an inch in breadth, somewhat deeper in 

 color than the ground on which it is placed. You may have noticed, too, that there 

 are a few black lines on the lips, and bands of the same color on the insides of the 

 legs. 



The leopard is one of the most skillful climbers, and few animals can escape him 

 by taking refuge among the tree branches. When wounded, he is a demon, and 

 hundreds of people are annually slain by the species in India and Africa. 



"I wonder how the rest have made out," muttered Bob Marshall, referring to 

 his friends; " I have heard the reports of their guns more than once, and I suppose 

 they have brought down something, but I don't believe there has been anything 

 shot finer than this." 



The youth noticed that the afternoon was wearing away, and, as he was a con 

 siderable distance from camp, he decided to set out on his return without delay. 

 He looked longingly at the huge body, and, when he reflected what a handsome 

 trophy the skin would make, naturally regretted leaving it behind. 



" I promised to send Mr. Barnum something of the kind," he said, as he was on 

 the point of turning away, " though I know he has more such presents than he 

 knows what to do with, but I can't afford the time to skin him, and it may be that 

 Mr. Godkin or Dick or some of the rest will bag something better." 



And with this philosophical reflection, Mr. Robert Marshall slung his Winches- 

 ter over his shoulder and set off for the encampment of his friends. 



A goodly distance remained to be passed, and, since night was approaching, he 

 thought it likely he would encounter more game before joining his companions. 



This expectation received a startling confirmation within the succeeding quar- 

 ter of an hour. 



