OX ATTACKED BY A LEOPARD. 437 



the new purchase. I had decreased the distance be- 

 tween it and the other hullocks by one-half, when a 

 leopard sprung out of the bush, and in a couple of 

 bounds lit upon the poor creature's shoulders, seized it 

 with its teeth just in front of the withers, while the 

 claws of one fore -foot were deeply embedded in the neck, 

 those of the other in the back. So sudden was the shock, 

 that the ox fell upon his knees ; but in an instant after it 

 had gathered itself together and started off over the velt 

 at a pace that I had never seen bullock make before. 

 Oh that I had Ruby now with me ! what would I 

 not have given for her services at that moment ? for I 

 little doubt that I should have been alongside the trea- 

 cherous, bloodthirsty assailant before it had been carried 

 by its prey half a mile ; but it was useless to regret the 

 want of help that it was impossible for me to obtain, so, 

 tired and exhausted as I was, I dragged myself along 

 after the fugitive. While the stricken beast fled, the 

 leopard was still on its back, and no doubt was making 

 such good use of its tusks as soon to cut into its victim's 

 spine. It was the more provoking as the cat appeared 

 anything but a large one certainly it was not higher 

 than an ordinary- sized water- spaniel, although of course 

 much longer. Well, I followed the spoor of the ox long 

 after I lost sight of both, till I was reminded by darkness 

 setting in that it was time for me to return. Dis- 

 appointed that I could not render aid to my poor beast, 

 I retraced my steps. Night rapidly closed in the land- 

 scape, so I hurried on as I supposed in the direction 

 of the wagon. However, there was no moon, so after 

 quite a couple of hours' indefatigable tramping, I became 

 convinced that I was wandering. Yet, in spite of this 

 conviction, I believed confidently that I was near 



