The Puma 281 



three existed, it was impossible to determine. The three 

 copper balls he used to play with were exactly alike, and if 

 one was missing, its absence never failed to be noticed at 

 once. If it occurred to him that it had been taken away 

 intentionally, he got angry or sulky, as the case might be. 

 During one part of his wardship, the periodical absences of 

 his only friend put him out greatly, because, so far as actions 

 revealed the creature's feelings, they interfered with his 

 comfort. He became dangerous when grown, and occu- 

 pied a room by himself, from which he was not removed 

 while his guardian was gone. Under ordinary circum- 

 stances he was released for several hours every night, and 

 when the time came, if there was any delay, he began to 

 call upon his comrade to let him out, and grew fierce if not 

 attended to. No one ever knew him to take any violent 

 exercise in this apartment, but the gymnastic perform- 

 ances he went through outside were worth seeing. After 

 being confined in solitude a couple of days, which was the 

 length of time his friend generally remained absent, his 

 eagerness to see him back became excessive, according to 

 all reports. He was restless, savage, and sometimes 

 refused to eat on the last evening. The servants said that 

 long before they themselves heard the horse's tread, it 

 might be known from Gato that his liberator was coming. 

 But he never welcomed him as a dog or horse will do. 

 He was full of exuberant vitality, endowed with an intelli- 

 gent interest in the strange things around him, which he 

 studied with continued interest, and inspired with an 

 inherited passion for liberty. This always showed itself 

 first. No sooner was the door opened than he darted out, 



