184 
THE JAGUAR. 
ing frequently during the night, especially 
in and before stormy weather.” 
“That reminds me,” said Sidney, “Jack 
Short says that panthers cry and scream in 
the woods like a person in distress in order 
to induce people to come to them and he 
devoured. Do you think there is any truth 
in it, grandfather ?” he concluded, appeal¬ 
ing to Mr. Winston, who had just entered 
the room. 
“ I am inclined to think it merely the 
hunter’s superstition,” replied Mr. Winston. 
“They have many strange fancies, you 
know.” 
“I do not wonder at it,” observed Miss 
Louisa. “There must be something very 
exciting to the imagination in the life they 
lead, away in the deep woods day after day, 
with no companions except their dogs, 
hearing all sorts of strange noises and see¬ 
ing things in strange lights. It is no won¬ 
der they grow superstitious.” 
“I have always wanted to sleep in the 
woods a night or two,” said Sidney. 
“You must get Erastus Waterman to 
take you out upon some of his tramps,” re¬ 
plied his grandfather. “He is the best 
