134 A MISCALCULATION. 



by the shock of the collision. Our representation of the reception of a leopard by 

 one of the plucky animals has been verified more than once in the Dark Continent, 



As the animal confronted Bob Marshall, he saw a danger which he had not sus- 

 pected up to that moment. What would become of him, or rather his steed, if the 

 beast should charge ? 



The antelope had already demonstrated his superiority in speed, so that the 

 pony could not escape by flight, and a single thrust of those bony swords would be 

 fatal. 



"There's one weapon, however, that beats his," added the youth, following his 

 train of thought. " If he attacks, I will meet him with a few charges from my gun, 

 and they will stop him before he can reach us." 



It was fortunate, therefore, for this particular oryx, that, though his blood was 

 roused, and he was quite ready to assail the hunter, from whom he had fled in such 

 fright a few minutes before, he decided to leave him and his animal alone, provided 

 they returned the compliment. 



Bob, however, kept an eye to windward, as he rode off to join his friends, not 

 feeling secure against a demonstration until a long distance separated him from the 

 oryx. But the latter, after holding his ground a few minutes, turned away, as 

 though he had forgotten the recent stirring incidents as well as the fact that the 

 members of his family had become pretty well separated during the flurry. 



Looking toward the grove, Bob descried Dick, who had halted a short distance 

 from it, and was evidently awaiting him. Nothing of the other oryxes was seen, 

 and the youth was uncertain whether they had plunged into the grove, to stir up 

 matters with Jack Harvey, or had made their escape long beiore. 



Dick, as may be supposed, was deeply interested in the story his cousin had 

 to tell. 



Something has taken, or is taking place in the wood," remarked the former, 

 "and, from what you have related, I shouldn't wonder if Jack has found his con- 

 tract bigger than he thought. Let's find out" 



