l they had decided
on the fires, for they had not been blazing ten minutes, when the whole
pack of beasts, numbering full fifty, with ferocious growls, came down
from the hills around them. They came within a few feet of the fires,
then retreated into the darkness; but in a few moments advanced again,
wrangling among themselves, and endeavored to penetrate the ring of
fire. But the heat drove them back a second time, when the fighting and
wrangling became frightful from the din they made. After a while they
again advanced, eyeing the tree and fire alternately, keeping up the
growls for half an hour, when they formed a circle around a solitary
panther which occupied the centre, with drooping head and tail, and
after eying him a moment, precipitated themselves upon him with a
bound, tearing him into fragments, and devouring him.[6] They then
quietly separated, and bounded away into the gloom, leaving our young
friends astonished at the singular termination of the fray.

[6] A fact which was related to the author by a trader, who was
one among some others that saw a similar circumstance.

"Why, uncle, do panthers prey upon each other when hungry?" asked
Edward.

"Seldom; but when they do, it is to punish one of their number that
offends them. In this instance, the panther was destroyed because he
had deceived them by calling them when it could do no good."

"Do you think that was the panther that yelled so on the hill?"

"Quite certain of that," said Whirlwind. "He was calling his mates, but
did not tell them we were surrounded with fire, or in a tree, and that
they could not reach us; because, when the brute saw us, we were on the
ground, and without that element. Most beasts fear fire. It was for
this they destroyed him. They were led to expect a feast, and being
disappointed, devoured him to punish him for the deception."

"Really, Whirlwind, do you suppose beasts reason, and have a language
so as to converse?"

"The reasoning part I cannot answer for; but that they can convey
thought and feeling as well as the passions, from one to another, there
is no doubt. You and I understand what each other wishes to be
understood by language; but we cannot comprehend the first sound a
beast makes, yet, they not only understand their own language, but many
words of our own. Which then has the most intellect?"

"You are not in earnest when you would compare man and beast together?"

"The Great Spirit made them