ing a portion of the flesh. With
our thirst partially relieved we were able to eat. We had made our fire
at some distance from the shrubs for fear of igniting them, while we
tethered our horses and ox among the longest grass we could find. In
that dry region no shelter was required at night, so we lay down to
sleep among our bales, with our saddles for pillows, and our rifles by
our sides. I had been sleeping soundly, dreaming of purling streams and
babbling fountains, when I awoke to find my throat as dry and parched as
ever. Hoping to find a few drops of water in my bottle, I sat up to
reach for it; when, as I looked across the fire, what was my dismay to
see a large tiger-like animal stealthily approaching, and tiger I fully
believed it to be. On it came, exhibiting a pair of round bright
shining eyes. I expected every moment to see it spring upon us. I was
afraid that by crying out I might only hasten its movements, so I felt
for my rifle and, presenting at the creature's head shouted--

"A tiger, uncle; a tiger, Jan!"

"A tiger!" exclaimed my uncle, springing up in a moment. "That's not a
tiger, it's a leopard, but if pressed by hunger may prove as ugly a
customer. Don't fire until I tell you, for if wounded it will become
dangerous."

All this time the leopard was crawling on, though it must have heard the
sound of our voices; perhaps the glare of the fire in its eyes prevented
it from seeing us, for it still cautiously approached. I saw my uncle
lift his rifle; he fired, but though his bullet struck the creature,
instead of falling as I expected, it gave a bound and the next instant
would have been upon us. Now was my time. As it rose, I fired, and my
bullet must have gone through its heart, for over it rolled without a
struggle, perfectly dead.

"Bravo! Fred," exclaimed my uncle. "This is the second time within a
few hours your rifle has done good service. You'll become a first-rate
hunter if you go on as you've begun. How that leopard came here it's
difficult to say, unless it was driven from the hills, and has been
wandering over the desert in search of prey; those creatures generally
inhabit a high woody country."

Jan exhibited great delight at our victory, and having made up the fire,
we spent some time in skinning the beast. Its fur was of great beauty,
and although it would add to the load of our ox, we agreed to carry it
with us, as it would be a welcome present to any chief who mi