itor was a jaguar, who had evidently come out for a drink, and
the unusual light prevented him from seeing the boa. He moved warily
forward, ready to meet an attack, and probably trying to make up his
mind whether or not this was a favorable opportunity to get a
particularly good supper, when the boa darted upon him.

Taken by surprise from the rear, the snake had one complete turn around
the animal's body before there was any show of resistance, and then
ensued a most thrilling conflict.

The boys could see that the boa's tail was fastened firmly around a
tree, thus giving him a purchase such as the jaguar would have
difficulty in overcoming.

Using both claws and teeth the animal defended himself bravely for ten
minutes, and then it could be seen that the rapidly tightening folds of
the serpent were hampering his movements. He no longer struggled so
desperately; but uttered shrill cries of alarm which were responded to
from a distance.

"His mate is coming," Poyor whispered. "Now we shall see a royal
battle."

It was as he had said. A few moments later another jaguar appeared, and
the boys could understand that the boa was making haste to crush the
first victim before meeting the second enemy.

It was possible to see the muscles of the serpents' tail stand out as
the pressure was increased, and then could be plainly heard the breaking
bones while the victim uttered wild screams of agony.

The female jaguar had but just come into view when her mate was killed,
and she darted at the serpent with a yell of rage which was answered by
an angry hiss.

Whether the boa was taken at a disadvantage in the beginning of the
fight, or had become so weary with its previous exertions as to render
it incapable of putting forth all its powers could not be told; but
certain it is that the second battle was short.

The beast caught it by the neck at the third attempt, and the lashing of
the monster's tail told that he was beaten.

"He killed one jaguar easily; but this last beast will soon finish him,"
Teddy whispered, and almost before the words had been uttered the battle
was virtually at an end.

Having relinquished its hold of the tree, and unable to encircle the
animal's body with its deadly folds, the boa's strength was useless, and
from that time on only the snarling of the jaguar and the threshing of
the serpent could be heard until the fight came to an end.

"What are you going to do?" Neal asked as Poyor raised