leaped as lightly as a cat from the structure,
which bounded up as if relieved of several hundred pounds' weight.

Turning about, the giant stooped down and took a spear as long and
heavy as the one he had hurled nearly across the Xingu, through the
boat of the explorers.

It seemed that there was to be no end to the obtrusion of "side issues"
upon the little drama going on under Fred Ashman's eyes. It must have
been that the puma which had slaked its thirst at the Xingu's margin a
short time before, had become convinced that parties were near,
entitled to his attention.

While endeavoring to locate him, he probably caught sight of the
approaching native and concluded that he was the individual to whom he
should turn.

Be that as it may, the native had only time to pick up his ponderous
spear and face toward the wood, when the lion emerged from the
broadening band of shadow, and, with a low, threatening growl, advanced
upon him.

Like the cat species to which he belonged, he crouched so low while
walking, that his shoulders protruded above his back in large humps,
and his belly almost touched the ground. His long tail flirted angrily
from side to side, his jaws were parted, disclosing his sharp,
carnivorous teeth and blood-red tongue, while his eyes emitted a
phosphorescent glow that was like fire itself.

He was a formidable antagonist, and as Ashman observed his movements
and ugly appearance, he felt like pumping a half dozen bullets into his
lank, muscular body.

But he experienced the natural interest of a sportsman in an impending
fight, and was curious to see how the huge native would acquit himself
in the struggle at hand.

He was not kept long in doubt. The savage observed the puma the moment
his head emerged from the shadow into the moonlight, and he instantly
prepared himself to meet him.

Little preparation, however, was necessary, for he carried but the
single weapon and that had only to be grasped in his right hand.

The warrior might have leaped into his craft and escaped by paddling
out in the river, where he could drive the boat at a faster pace than
the beast could swim, but he did nothing of the kind.

He neither advanced nor retreated, but, standing just in front of the
prow, he rested on his right leg; with the left foot thrown forward,
and the tremendous javelin balanced over his right shoulder.

His pose was admirable, and even in that thrilling moment compelled the
admiration o