t like squirrels, and then--

Guapo reflected no further, but bending over the thick branch, attacked
it with his axe. His design was apparent at once. He was going to cut
it from the cliff!

He plied the axe with all his might. Every muscle in his body was at
play. Blow succeeded blow. The branch was already creaking, when, to
his horror, the foremost of the jaguars appeared in sight on the
opposite side! He was not discouraged. Again fell the axe--again and
again; the jaguar is upon the bank; it has sprung upon the root of the
tree! It pauses a moment--another blow of the axe--the jaguar bounds
upon the trunk--its claws rattle along the bark--it is midway over the
chasm! Another blow--the branch crackles--there is a crash--it parts
from the cliff--it is gone! Both tree and jaguar gone--down--down to
the sharp rocks of the foaming torrent!

A loud yell from the Indian announced his triumph. But it was not yet
complete. It was the female jaguar--the smaller one that had fallen.
The male still remained--where was he? Already upon the opposite brink
of the chasm!

He had dashed forward, just in time to see his mate disappearing into
the gulf below. He saw and seemed to comprehend, all that had passed.
His eyes glared with redoubled fury. There was vengeance in his look,
and determination in his attitude.

For a moment he surveyed the wide gulf that separated him from his
enemies. He seemed to measure the distance at a glance. His heart was
bold with rage and despair. He had lost his companion--his faithful
partner--his wife. Life was nothing now--he resolved upon revenge or
death!

He was seen to run a few paces back from the edge of the chasm, and then
turning suddenly, set his body for the spring.

It would have been beautiful to have beheld the play of his glistening
flanks at that moment had one been out of danger; but Guapo was not, and
he had no pleasure in the sight. Guapo stood upon the opposite brink,
axe in hand, ready to receive him.

The Indian had not long to wait. With one desperate bound the jaguar
launched his body into the air, and, like lightning, passed to the
opposite bank. His fore-feet only reached it, and his claws firmly
grasped the rock. The rest of his body hung over, clutching the cliff!

In a moment he would have sprung up, and then woe to his antagonist! but
he was not allowed that moment, for he had scarcely touched the rock
when the Indian leaped forward and