A PANTHER HUNT. 
255 
to my friend of wounding the panther in such circum- 
stances, I waited for the chance of a sure shot. At last it 
passed me, and bounding over a high bush, gave a chance. 
I fired at it in mid-air, aiming for the heart ; but the sun 
was in my eyes, and I only grazed its back. I had done 
just what I feared. Its snorts and snarls told too plainly 
that it was getting very angry. At last it took refuge in a 
recess in the walls, and arching its back, stood at bay, with 
a very ugly look in its face. H. was in full pursuit, far 
ahead of us all. Frantically I shouted to him to be 
cautious, but it was too late. A11 excellent shot with 
either gun or rifle, and naturally fearless, he had lost his 
head. From less than twenty yards he fired both barrels 
at once. With a fearful roar I saw it dart out upon him. 
He sprang up a tree, for he was as nimble as a monkey ; 
but he stuck in a fork about ten feet from the ground, and 
with horror I saw the panther spring upon him and bury 
its claws in his shoulders. Its weight dragged it slowly 
down, while its claws ploughed through my poor friend’s 
back. It fell to the ground only to spring again. Twice 
and thrice the sickening process was repeated. I aimed at 
the panther’s spine, just behind the shoulder, and pulled 
the trigger. My last ball cartridge missed fire ! Catching 
