A YOUNG NATURALIST. 265 



The puma did not advance any farther, but glared at us with 

 its yellow eyes, its tail lashing its sides with a measured move- 

 ment, while it displayed a formidable row of tusks. Suddenly it 

 stretched itself along the ground, as if about to play. Lucien 

 was now able to examine leisurely the beautiful tawny colour of 

 its coat. It surveyed us with such a quiet, gentle aspect, that it 

 seemed as if it belonged to our party, even pushing its confidence 

 so far as to begin its toilet, by first licking its paws, and then rub- 

 bing them over its muzzle. 



I gave the word for continuing our journey. L'Encuerado 

 obeyed very reluctantly. After this rencontre I placed Lucien, 

 who congratulated himself upon having had such a near view of 

 the beautiful animal, in th^ middle of the party. 



" If we don't eat the lion, it will eat us," said the Indian. " If 

 we had only wounded it, it would have gone and told all its 

 companions that it was anything but prudent to go too close to 

 our fire.'' 



" Well, if it comes near us again, I give you leave to shoot it." 



" You do ; it 's a bargain ! " cried I'Encuerado. " Stop a 

 minute, Tata Sumichrast; cock your gun, Chanito, you shall 

 have the first shot." 



We stood together in a group, and I looked in vain for the 

 cougar. 



" The rascal has got in front of us," added the Indian. " We'll 

 astonish him in a moment. Come this way, Chanito, but don't 

 run or turn round. Do you see that tree that stands in front of 

 us ? Not so far that way — that one we were just going to pass 

 under. Look at the wonderful fruit it has on it !" 



" It is the puma ! " exclaimed the boy. 



" That 's pleasant," muttered Sumichrast. " Then there are 

 two pumas." 



" No, no, Tata Sumichrast, it is the same one. Aim between 

 its eyes, Chanito ; fire ! " 



There were two reports almost at the same moment, and 

 the animal tumbled down upon the ground without uttering 

 a cry. 



" Don't be too quick, Chanito," continued the Indian ; " this is 



