OMINOUS TRACE. 
49 
was by the object on Avliich my eye was riveted. 
Under my very nose, the fresh imprint of a tiger^s 
paw was manifest, so large that my outspread hand 
just covered it. Aware, however, of the twilight- 
loving habits of these cat-like monsters, I felt some- 
what reassured, and was by no means inclined to 
be diverted from my scientific investigations. The 
finding of some pretty fresh-water shells in the 
stream diverted my attention from this ominous 
trace of the much-dreaded man-slayer. It must 
not be suj)posed, however, that there was no cause 
for alarm; two villages in the immediate neigh- 
bourhood were at that very moment deserted, 
having been recently desolated by these formidable 
aninnils. 
■ Still, knowing that, though by no means impos- 
sible, it was not very likely that they would be 
prowling about, or venture to make an attack in 
the full blaze of sunshine, I continued my re- 
searches. Among the foliage of the trees I dis- 
covered some handsome land-snails, and several 
other kinds of land-shells under the dead leaves. 
E 
