t was a California puma," came from old Jerry. "He's
a bad one, too."

"I think they call them jaguars out here," said Dick. "They all belong
to the same family, you know. Some old American hunters would call
it a painter."

"Never mind what it is," said Dora, with a shudder. "I am thankful
that it is dead."

"You can be thankful that it didn't chew Dick up," added Tom. "He
was in a tight corner, I can tell you that."

"I didn't want to shoot until I was certain of what I was shooting
at," answered Dick. "Then, just as I fired, the beast leaped for me.
If I hadn't wounded it, it would have had me by the throat sure. But
my shot kind of made it fall back, and it caught me by the trouser leg."

"Are you sure you are not hurt, lad?" asked the captain.

"Not hurt in the least," answered Dick, and all were thankful that
this was so.

The animal was dragged close to the cabin. It measured about five
feet in length, regardless of the tail, and was of a dull yellowish
color. Its teeth were long and sharp, and its face had a fierce,
blood-thirsty look about it that made all the girls shiver.

"I must confess that I am surprised to find such a beast on these
islands," said Captain Blossom. "Usually they are to be found only
on the mainland or on large islands."

"What I am wondering is, are there any more around?" came from Sam.

"If there are, we'll have to be careful how we move around," put in
old Jerry. "I don't want any of 'em to leap out at me from behind a
rock."

"We'll have to be on the watch," said Tom. "I'm sure I don't want to
furnish any tropical tiger cat with a square meal."

"Oh, Tom, how awful to even mention it!" cried Nellie.

"I think I know a way to keep 'em away from the house at night," said
old Jerry.

"How?" questioned several.

"Keep a camp-fire burning close to the door. All wild animals hate
a fire."

"Jerry is right," said Captain Blossom. "We'll do it after this."

"What shall we do with the beast?" asked Dick. "I don't think it is
good to eat."

"Save the skin," said Dora. "That will surely make an elegant rug."

"Leave the carcass until morning," said Captain Blossom. "We must
get some more sleep if we want to go to work to-morrow."

"To-day, you mean," said Tom, looking at his watch. "It is already
three o'clock."

A camp-fire was lit and then all but Jerry retired, it being agreed
that the old sailor was to turn in once more when the others arose
for breakfast. All bu