d
George with the statement that there was game ahead, as he had heard
rustling sounds in the leaves.

Both were now looking forward intently, expecting and hoping that some
game worthy of attention would appear. Whenever they stopped, the
animal, or what it was, would stop, to resume its motion whenever they
moved. This was getting to be decidedly interesting, and at the same
time trying to the hunters. The distance was fully a mile from the
river. The noise which came from the slight rustling of the leaves and
the occasional breaking of a twig was growing acute.

"Are we hunting or being hunted?" said George, under breath.

Not forgetting the Professor's story of the hunter's careful scrutiny of
leaves, they adopted that plan, but it gave them no clue. Whatever it
was, it was in front of them, but they were unable to get a glimpse of
it.

Once, by agreement, they stopped and were silent for several minutes.
The silence was just as profound and continued as their own. It was
getting tense, when George hit upon a plan.

"Let us be quiet for a minute or so, and then suddenly bound forward and
give a whoop. I think that will frighten him, and enable us to sight
him."

"Before doing that get the guns ready for a shot, and don't fire too
soon. Don't get excited. Remember the Professor's warning; a shot close
at hand, deliberately aimed, is more positive than a dozen shots
excitedly fired at a distance."

When all was ready Harry whispered, "Now!"

With a whoop both started forwardly on a run as fast as the dense
underbrush would permit. Before they had gone twenty feet a large
leopard-like animal sprang transversely across their path, then, seeing
the boys, crouched for a spring. The guns were cocked and ready, and it
is a wonder that in the excitement there was not a premature shot.

"Now, steady," said Harry. "Aim, fire!" and the moment both shots rang
out. Harry cried excitedly, "Now for the other guns!"

The other guns were not necessary then. The animal gave a savage growl
and bounded to the left, and after they had time to recover, both moved
toward the spot.

"We have hit him, sure," was George's exultant shout. "See the blood on
the leaves. My! he was as big as a lion!"

"Let's follow him," was Harry's determination. And off they started, the
blood tracks plainly showing the way. Not a further view was obtainable
of the animal, and in less than a quarter of a mile all blood traces
disappeared, to the