Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1903-10-21

American panther:
Frank. accompanied By the three
great hounds, aid not hesitate to
charge this Formidable AMI sudden en-
emy. But the effect VAS not what he
expected. Instead of bounding away.
the great cat, looming largs9 aud more
terrible the nearer lte approached,
faced his foss ie.ce!y, crsueAing above
the slain sheep, ready to pring. and
yelling screams of demoniac ferocity.
The mustang stopped and roared then
stood snorting and trembling, and
could not be forced learer The great
dogs rushed on. And Frank sat in his
saddle and watched she fight, unable
to assist. too fascinated to fly.
Now he realized the imprudenee of
leaving his arms, and repented his
boyish f0i,y in despisjng disc lpliIn
founded upon experience.
old Strategy was the leader Of the
three great dogs. His wise brain did
the planning for all, and never did
soldiers obey chief with more careful
attention to signals of command than
the other two great dogs gave to HIM.
He was the heetest OF the three Re
serve, who ran IN the rear, and al
ways waited the proper time to leap
and seize, was the most powerful.
"Skirmjsh the lightest of the trio,
made it his business to distract the
quarry by flashing feigned and real
attacks all over aim, here, there, and
everywhere, to provoke openings for
the other two.
Just as the battle began, the clouds
opened wide, and the Frightening
moon shed distant glimmer over the
scene through the mist that rose from
the wet grass, disclosing the huge
mountain-lion standing over his prey,
with flattened ears, snarling face, teeth
gieaming, claws widely spread, mad
with hate, menacing the dogs.
And now Old Strategy, warily OBJ
servant, crept, growing, directly in
front Of the angry hon, tempting and
taunting him to spring. Nearer-a lit
tie nearer yet. Several times the lion
seemed about to leap, Judging by his
iashing tail and settling launches; but
Skirmish distracted him with a sudden
feint, or Reserve threatened his flank.
When each dog had a good position,
Old Strategy provoked a leap by
sudden movement. The lion sprang,
body, limbs and claws spread to strike.
But Old Strategy wasn't there when
he alighted; and the lion did not
alight where he aimed; for the mo-
Dlent he leaped Reserve and Skirmish
dashed in and caught him in the air,
one on his flank. one by a hind knee.
joint, and held back with such force
that all three rolled along the grass
Before the lion could retaliate. all
three dogs were once more out of
reach. to repeat their provoking tao
tics.
For half an hour this furious battle
was continued. Leap, charge, rush, Or
strike as he would, the worried lion
could not bring his treacherous assail-
ants to a close. But for a few insig-
nii1cant scratches. the dogs We're un-
hurt, but the lion showed many marks
oi the conflict. The dogs gave him no
rest from their incessant attacks. Oc-
easiGnally one of the dogs would lie
down, painting, and rest himself, while
the other two kept the game going:
but their adversary was not permitted
d moment breathing-time.
Gradually the tormented night
ProWler grew weary and faint. His
own fury helped the dogs to exhaust
him; for each effort he made increased
lis rage, until he became veritable
';emon OF frenzied hate, and spent in
useless screams the breath that he
needed for battle. AS his powers di
mlnlshed those of the dogs increased
Eelr rushing, leaping grips were more
confident, more frequent, and more eff
iective
little later brave Skirmish made
such prodigious feint in obedience
10 some secret sign from Old Strategy
tlat the lien whirled to strike at him
This gave Old Strategy his chance. He
fastened the first gr." upon the throat
of the great cat, keeping his own body
behind and partly unuer the heac OF
MS foe, while Sklrmlsh dragged at
hlnd leg, and Reserve put all his
weight and force into a grip over the
loln, stretching their enemy helpless
Iof a n1oment-but O. ly for a momens.
IS soon as the great cat could muster
tired strength, he drew bis power
lai body into curve, and thrust at
oll Strategy with his lashing hind
legs compelling the dog to let 60 But
NE instant Old Strataru ua- n,,chod