deways as if to be caressed.

At that moment Joe popped back his head, and Brazier's voice was
heard:--

"They want the grapnel lowered, Rob, my lad. Can you--Why, whatever is
this?"

The aspect of the puma changed in an instant. Its ears went down nearly
flat upon its head, and it started upon all-fours, tossing its tail
about and uttering a menacing growl.

Brazier started back, and Rob knew for what.

"No, no, Mr Brazier," he cried; "don't do that. The poor thing came on
board during the storm. It's quite tame. Look here, sir, look."

As he spoke in quite a fit of desperation, he began patting and soothing
the animal, and when Brazier peered out again, in company with a loaded
gun, the puma was responding to Rob's caresses in the most friendly way.

"Anything the matter, sir?" said Shaddy from beyond the cabin. "Can't
you get the grapnel overboard?"

"Come and look here," whispered Brazier; and their guide crept into the
cabin and peered out behind, his face puckering up into a grin.

"What is to be done?" whispered Brazier; "I can't fire without hitting
the boy."

"Then I wouldn't fire, sir," replied Shaddy. "'Sides, there ain't no
need. The thing's quite a cub, I think, and tame enough. I don't
suppose it'll show fight if we let it alone."

"Stop, man! What are you going to do?"

"Go to 'em," replied Shaddy coolly.

"But it will spring at you. It turned threateningly on me just now."

"Don't seem to on Master Rob, sir, and I don't think it will. What do
you say to going first, Mr Jovanni?"

"No," said the lad shortly. "I don't like animals."

"Well, then, here goes," said Shaddy coolly. "Don't shoot, sir, unless
the crittur turns very savage, and then not till I say, `Now!'"

He thrust the two canvas curtains apart quietly and stepped into the
little open space astern, when once more the puma's aspect changed and
it turned upon the new-comer menacingly.

"Pat him again, Master Rob," said Shaddy quietly. "I want to make
friends too. Here, old chap," he continued, sitting down, as Rob
hurriedly patted and stroked the animal's head, "let's have a look at
you. Come, may I pat you too?"

He stretched out his hand, but the puma drew back suspiciously, and,
with the others watching the scene, he remained quiet while Rob
redoubled his caresses, and the puma began to utter its low, rumbling,
purring sound.

"Only wants time, Mr Brazier, sir," said Shaddy quietly. "I don't
think th