But Ned waited until the flank of the animal was well presented, and, taking a sure aim, fired.
The jaguar shot up into the air, as if an electric spring had been released, then came down with a thump and was dead.

The horse neighed in terror at sight of his leaping foe and trembled more violently than ever.

Ned went to him first, and tried to soothe him which was a long and difficult task.

At last, he untethered the horse and led him to the far end of the valley, where he tethered him again at least two hundred yards from the dead body of the jaguar.

Returning he looked at the fallen animal, and marked with pleasure the correctness of his aim.