s thirst at the stream, he sat down to rest; a stupor came
over him, as the gentle breeze fanned the mountain-side and whispered
among the lofty branches of the forest trees, like the AEolian harp of
passing time.

Mayall soon became unconscious of the fearful dangers that were hovering
around him; time, to him, passed unheeded; the sun was fast sinking
towards the western hills, and the wild beasts of the forest were again
in motion. Mayall slowly awoke to consciousness, and, to his surprise
and horror, he heard the tread of a panther walking about him, and
covering him with leaves. Being perfectly acquainted with the habits of
this animal, he knew that to move a hand or foot would cause his instant
death, as the old panther was then preparing a feast for her young ones,
as he had seen them prepare a deer that she had found in the same
manner, and then go and bring her young ones. He lay in fearful suspense
until the panther had finished her covering of leaves. He heard her
footsteps begin to recede, until the sound was lost in distance; then,
creeping out from his covering of leaves, he discovered near him an old
decayed log about the length of a man. This he moved to the spot where
he had lain, and covered it with leaves, then, casting his eyes around,
he saw a tree that he could easily climb, and, slinging his gun over his
shoulder, fastened by a strap to his belt, he lost no time in ascending
the tree to the height of twenty-five or thirty feet, where he found a
convenient branch to rest upon, above the height of the panther's
ground-leap. He waited quietly for the return of the panther and her
family, not knowing how many guests would be invited to the feast.

Whilst sitting on this lofty perch, in painful suspense, he carefully
examined his trusty gun and hunting knife, which he sheathed in his boot
in readiness for the combat, should the panthers attempt to attack him
by ascending the tree. After resting on one of the branches of his
chosen tree for a short time he heard the rustling of the leaves in the
distance, and could plainly see through the branches of the trees that
the old panther was advancing towards his bed of leaves, accompanied by
three large cubs. He now felt thankful there was but one old one in the
company, and waited in silence to see the exploits of the old panther,
which advanced steadily towards the bunch of leaves with cautious steps,
as if she feared to wake her prey until she came within