The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1914-02-20
UNDER A LEOPARD
And lust Within the Reach of the
Jaws Of Death.
COOL NERVE OF A BRAVE BOY

Courage, Presence OF Mind and Lucky
Knife Thrust Put Him Out Of Peril.
Curious Experiences With a Vicious
Man Eater In South Africa.
"Bulala" Taylor was one Of the early
settlers i'm the South African country
that is now Matabelelund. He was
the Chartered company's right hand
man in those days. and the natives
held him in wholesome respect. More
than once he checked threatening dis
order almost single handed, and when
ever there was an uprising 1t was Bu-
lala who took command Ut the white
forces. But this is a story Of Bulala
junior. his son. a stOcky little chip of
the old block. 1t happened during one
of the fathers absences In the field.
The yOungster. left in charge of the
family cOmmissariat, spent two or
three evenings each week in hunting
and with invariable success. for he
was a "crack" shot. for all his youth.
One morning he was late-hOurs late.
His mother became anxious and sent
some kaffirs out to take up his spoor.
A little way out they met his horse
limping home. shivering and bleeding
from many wounds.
The little baas must be killed.
The Katfirs were Off along the track
as fast as their feet would carry them.
They wanted to save the boys re
mains before the lion could eat them
They found the remains-Of a leopard
and Bulala junior was calmly skin
ming them. few feet away was the
torn carcass of II freshly killed buck.
In awe the Kafiirs squatted round
and with only the interjection of an
occasional "Aough" of admiration
listened to the man-childs story.
"Insimbe." said Bulala Junior. ad-
dressing himself to the Oldest Kaffir.
"yOu see the little duykerbok. killed
him, and he afterward saved my life.
! thought the box would be enough
meat for all of us. and was slowly rid
ing home. The ground was stony and
the bush thick. The sun made the
drowsy. aud | wasn't careful I" look
about me. The horse had to pick his
way. Just as he turned that big bush
he almost ran over this leopard
II don't know which was most sur
priscd. the horse or the leopard or ].
The leopard had no time to turn back;
he just hid to spring. Before my eyes
conld open and close twice the leopard
was on my horses shoulders. trying to
get grip with his claws into the box
in front of me.
THE horse squealed and jumped.
my gun dew out of my hands. and
found myself lying on my back on the
ground. The little box was lying
across my stomach and legs. and the
leopard was clawing and biting him
frantically. felt the blood from his
body trickling through my shirt. In
simbe, was frightened.
From the corners of my eyes | saw
MY rifle. but ii was too far of to reach
! Just had TO lie and play dead, II !
moved muscle and the leopard saw Il
he would give ME one blow and finish
me- Once or twice he looked up AT
me. and through my half closed eyes
! saw the blood dripping from his
jaws. Ii was lucky he was so hungry.
AT last his hunger wore OF. In
simbc. He got 10 his feet. and came
and smelled my face. Spots OF thick
blood dripped on 10 my cheeks. oh. In.
simbe. did you ever lie aud let
snakes tongue lick your face: He
breathed over me ana smclled me care
fully. then. satisfied / was dead, Went
back to his mea,.
For minutes which seemed like
hours the leopard tore and chewed
and as he became less hungry he be-
came more particular. Two or three
times he changed his position and each
ume wanted 10 shout in fear. II
cOlld only get al my bunting knife.
which ! could feel in my belt; but |
dared not move.
AT last the beast began 10 drag the
bck on me ia order 10 get at Its other
side. As abe hok slipped on ! moved
with II US part Of IL. And | grasp'd
my knife. Even then | dared not get
W.. ! iust waited and waited Al
last chance came 10 make my one
stab. Was desperate. aud ! took II.
The leopard stood M 10 stretch him
self and looked away from me.
Il jumped 10 my feet and made