seen. Again the voice
came from the woods, louder and more fearful than ever. It was plainly
the bellowing of an ox; but what could it mean? Once more it rose upon
the air, nearer and more distinct, and sounded as though the animal was
running as it cried!

"I sprang to my rifle--Frank and Harry also seized theirs--Cudjo armed
himself with the Indian spear; and the dogs, that had started to their
feet, stood waiting a signal to rush forth.

"Once more broke out that terrible cry; and we could now hear the
sweeping of leaves, and the crackling of branches, as if some huge
animal was tearing its way through the bushes. The birds flew up from
the thicket, terrified and screaming--the horse neighed wildly--the dogs
sent forth their impatient yelps, and our children shrieked in affright!
Again rose, the deep and sonorous roar, filling the valley with its
agonising tones. The cane rattled as it yielded to the crushing hoof.
We saw the leaves of the thick underwood shaking at a distance--then
nearer--then up to the edge of the glade--and the next moment a bright
red object appeared through the leaves, and dashed out into the opening.
We saw at a glance it was the ox; but what could it mean? Was he
pursued by some monster--some beast of prey? No! not pursued, but
already overtaken. Look! see what the ox carries on his shoulders! Oh,
heavens! what a sight!

"We were all for a while as if paralysed. Between the shoulders of the
ox, and clutching him around the neck, was a large animal. It at first
sight appeared to be a mass of brown shaggy hair, and part of the ox
himself--so closely was it fastened upon him. As they drew nearer,
however, we could distinguish the spreading claws and short muscular
limbs of a fearful creature. Its head was down near the throat of the
ox, which we could see was torn, and dappled with crimson spots. The
mouth of the strange animal was resting upon his jugular vein. It was
tearing his flesh, and drinking his blood as he ran!

"The ox, as he came out of the thicket, galloped but slowly, and
bellowed with less energy than before. We could perceive that he
tottered as he ran, still making for the camp. In a short time, he was
in our midst, when, uttering a long moan, he fell to the earth with the
death-rattle in his throat!

"The strange animal, roused by the shock, suddenly let go its hold, and
raised itself erect over the carcass. Now, for the first time, I saw
what it was. I