its head.

The next minute Rob had decided what to do.

Creeping silently astern, he unfastened and paid out a good deal of the
line which held the boat to the grapnel. Then refastening it, he went
silently forward, and began to haul upon the other line, which was
secured to the tree ashore, thus bringing the boat's head close up to
the bank and within half a dozen yards of the puma, which stood watching
him till the boat touched the bank, when, without hesitation or fear of
consequences, Rob stepped ashore.

"Fine chance for him if he does mean to eat me!" thought Rob, with a
laugh. But the next moment he did feel startled, for the animal
suddenly crouched, gathered its hind legs beneath it, and he could see
them working as the agile creature prepared to spring.

Rob's heart beat heavily, and a cry rose to his lips, but was not
uttered, for he felt paralysed, and he would have proved to be an
unresisting victim had the puma's intentions been inimical. But the lad
soon knew that they were friendly, for the great bound the creature gave
landed it at his feet, where it immediately rolled over on to its side,
then turned upon its back, and with touches soft as those of a kitten
pulled at the boy's legs and feet, looking playfully up at him the
while.

"Why, you are a tame one," said Rob, with a sigh of relief. "There's no
danger in you whatever," and sinking on one knee, he patted and rubbed
the great soft head which was gently moved about in his hand.

So satisfactory was this to the puma that it rolled itself about on the
ground, pressed its head against Rob's knee, and finally turned over
once more, couched, laid its head against him, and gazed up in his eyes
as he placed his hand upon the soft browny-grey head.

"Well, there's no mistake about this," said Rob aloud; "you and I are
good friends, and you must be a tame one. The thing is, where is your
master?"

Rob had hardly uttered the word "tame" before the puma's eyes dilated,
and it uttered a low, deep growl, staring fiercely the while at the
boat.

Rob followed the direction of the animal's eyes, and saw that it was
watching Brazier, who had just stepped out from the canvas cabin,
holding a gun in his hand.

"Don't! don't do that!" cried Rob excitedly. "It's quite tame, Mr
Brazier. Look!"

He was about to bend down and caress the puma again; but as he turned it
was only to see its soft, tawny skin and outstretched tail as it made
one bound i