374 
MAMMALIA. 
all the strength and determination that yet remained for a final 
effort, I disengaged myself, leaving my wadded cloth cap in its 
jaws. I had thrown the brute from me so vigorously that it 
slipped over the steep slope ; the two front paws being broken, it 
could not check itself, so went crashing headlong, at the same 
time roaring, into the ravine. 
“At last released, though not a moment too soon, I relieved 
ni} r self, but spitting out four of my teeth and a mass of blood that 
filled my mouth. Entirely given up to the fury which possessed 
me, burning for vengeance, I seized my hunting-knife, and not 
knowing where the brute had gone, sought him on every side, 
to recommence the struggle (for I did not believe I could long 
survive my wounds). It was in this position that the Arabs 
found me. 
“ They told me that they heard the Panther quite distinctly, 
and that its roars made their flesh creep ; that they had no doubt j 
as to its combat with me, but that they imagined it roared because 
of its wounds, so they judged it best not to sally forth until the 
sounds ceased. 
“ The thirst of revenge, and especially the mortification I 
experienced at not being the victor in a battle which I had 
sought, dominated over me to such a degree that I did all I could 
to find my antagonist, determined either to kill or be killed. 
Put the Arabs dragged me to their douar, where they tried 
to bathe my face and bandage my wounds ; but I would not 
allow them, and at once proceeded to the farm of Corso, which 
I reached at midnight. Judge of the astonishment of all its 
inhabitants, who the same evening had seen me start off strong 
and well, when they beheld me in my mangled condition. 
“ At my desire, the man who had carried me there on his Mule I 
went at once to Algiers for Doctor Bodichon, one of my intimate j|' 
friends, in whose skill I had entire confidence. 
“ While the people at the farm were lavishing upon me their I 
attentions, with an intelligence and good-will which I shall re- 
member all my life, I asked for a looking-glass. But they were 
afraid to gratify me, and pretended not to be able to find one. 
I however took a candle, and in spite of all they could say 
went to a mirror. My left cheek was torn and lay in my mouth, 
leaving the bone broken and exposed ; the frontal bone could 
