I sat down, put my rifle across my knees, and for some minutes caressed it, as I would have done an ordinary kitten; it became very familiar, and I was just thinking of taking it with me, when I heard behind me a loud and well-known roar, and, as the little thing left me, over my head bounded a dark heavy body.

It was a full-grown panther, the mother of the cub.

I had never thought of her.
I rose immediately.

The beast having missed the leap, had fallen twelve feet before me.

It crouched, sweeping the earth with its long tail, and looking fiercely at me.