• 86 THE LION KILLER. 



After the deputation had departed, had consulted and 

 returned, they gave to their assembled people the result of 

 their mission, which was in effect that the lions are great 

 kings one and all, and had found the wood before them 

 exceedingly pleasant in appearance and doubtless comfortable 

 as a residence, and that they were about taking possession of 

 it, leaving it of course to the present occupants to defend 

 their home or evacuate it at their pleasure. 



The panthers, indignant at this infamous proposal of annex- 

 ation, so much more like the lawlessness of men than lions, 

 decided at once that they would give battle, and take the 

 offensive themselves. 



In serried bands they marched forth, creeping and gliding 

 amid thickets and rocks, to chastise the invaders. 



The lions, warned by their outposts, roused themselves for 

 the combat, and altogether gave a single roar, when the 

 panthers, frightened by the thunder, fled in terror, leaving the 

 forest to their foes. 



Ever since that occasion, says this most authentic tradition, 

 the panthers climb trees like cats, or burrow in the earth 

 like foxes, and have never dared to meet in battle their foe 

 whose voice causes all creation to tremble. 



The Arabs and Kabyles suffer comparatively little from 

 the attacks of the panther, so that it is rare that they give 

 chase to it, and when they do it is in large parties. ' Some 

 put themselves in concealment, others track the animal, and 

 if it does not take refuge in some cave, it is always killed by 

 those lying in wait. When wounded the trackers have to 

 take particular care, for if pressed too closely it will turn to 



