PANTHERS, AND OUR OTHER CATS. 409 
of a large cotton-wood tree, some ten feet from its base, with 
its striped face turned back over its shoulders, curiously 
regarding us. It was in short point blank range, and I 
immediately fired. It dropped out of view, and when I 
forced my way through the thicket and reached the foot 
of the tree, it had disappeared. There was a large hollow 
in the foot of the tree, into which we supposed the creature 
had fallen, for I felt sure of my aim. 
On looking down, I saw it extended along the bottom, 
apparently dead. I was anxious to obtain its skin, and 
accordingly, after reloading my rifle, I, by a side-way 
movement, pushed my arm, shoulders and head with diffi- 
culty into the narrow gap, in hope that I should be able 
‘to reach and draw it out. My head had scarcely been 
introduced before a pair of flaming eyes looked up into 
mine from the darkness, apparently within a few inches. 
I, of course, struggled out as quickly as possible, under the 
impression that the creature I supposed to have been killed 
was only stunned. I put the muzzle of my rifle down the 
hollow—and fired, as I thought, directly between the glowing 
eyes. When the smoke was dissipated, I ventured to look 
in again, and there lay the same creature, as I supposed, 
stretched, and still in the old position. 
I now determined on a second trial to draw it out. I had 
forced in—arms, shoulders and head—so far as they would 
go, when suddenly the fiery eyes made their appearance 
again, so close to mine that they seemed almost to burn 
them! I scuffled desperately to extricate my person, for 
the idea of a pair of long white claws stuck into my phiz, 
was not the most pleasant that could be conceived. I was 
just in time; for, as I drew my face out, plump against it 
came the heavy crush of soft fur, with a strong body behind 
it, and I was prostrated on my back. 
I was roused from the stun and fright together, by the loud 
guffaws of my companion, who was to» much convulsed with 
