The Press., 1915-11-10

a knife.
81 think your friend is coming
Pearson"
Pearson leaped to his feet and reach
ed for his gun.
1t was gone.
'My gunr' he said hastily.
AS he spoke he saw in the pale day
light the crOuching form of magnifi-
cent leopard. 1t was on the farther
brush and rocks.
Pearson looked around and rubbed
his eyes.
Vanished were the tent and the bear
ers and their cumbersome packs.
Only Rowland stood there, a cold
cynical smile on his lips. He was lean
ing on his own gun.
"What does 1t all mean?" snapped
Pearson impatiently. "Why the melo.
dramatic atmospheric"
sit should be tragic. You're going tc
die, Pearson, horrible death. I've
planned it since 1 asked you to join
my expedition. You are going to meet
the leopard of Hafia in a hand to hand
battle!'
Heavens, Rowland, are you crazy?',
demanded the other. leaping at the old
er mans gun.
I'm quite sane snarled Rowland,
backing away 81 loved Eleanor
Browning, but she refused to marry
me. l knew the reason why, and so
I planned to bring you with me. If
cannot have her you never shallv'
"Foolr' cried Pearson angrily, his
eyes never leaving that splendid say.
age form beyond the semicircle. 81,
love her, too, and l told her the very
night before we sailed, but
But you will never go back to her
Pearson" interrupted the half crazed
man. "Ah, here comes your foe"'
Rowland jumped aside. and Pearson
turned to look at the huge cat
Apparently puzzled by the lack of
fear and by the strange actions of the
two men, the leopard had waited, half
hidden by thorn bush.
AS Pearson whirled about the leopard
came into the open space. the sun shin
ing on the rich black and orange Of his
spotted hide.
Bob Pearson was no coward, but this
contest with n monarch Of the African
jungle was unequal to the point of alb
surdity.
There was not time to battle with
Rowland and try to secure the gun.
Rowland had dropped from sight be
hind Il bowlder.
In the middle of the arena the leopard
paused. its long tail switching slowly.
its orange hide ripping over the quiz
ering muscles. Suddenly it screamed
md launched itself at Pearson.
Pearson was crouching. with tensed
muscles and prayer on his lips.
AS the leopard leaped at him Pearson
rushed forward, and the huge beast
sailed over his body and struck the
ground with Il Earring thud.
Pearson jumped around to face the
leopard as the enraged animal ap-
preached him in short. snarling leaps.
Bob Pearson knew that the end was
near. He could not dodge this splen-
did enemy. In less time than it takes
to relate it the leopard made another
quivering leap ut its victim, and as the
great bulk of flesh bore him to the
ground Bob heard a queer cracking
sound.
He opened his eyes upon the blazing
sky. Rowland was bending over him.
and there was strange smell of anti
septics from the medicine chest.
Howland's face had changed from its
recent ferocity and was the face of
the Rowland of old-grave, calm and
sane.
"YOu are all right, Pearson 2, he ask.
ed anxiously. II potted the beast at
the last moment. and beyond scratch
on your shoulder His voice broke.
and he turned away.
Pearson lifted himself upon his ell.
bow, feeling dizzy and faint.
Beyond him the dead leopard of Ha-
fla was stretched on the sand. How.
lands bullet had killed it instantly.
"Forgive me. Bob" whispered How
land. IL was quite mad until that last
scream. and then my brain cleared, and
knew myself for a murderer Then
fired, thank God! I have saved you
for herr
Bob Pearson found Howland's hand
and chung to it. A wry smile twisted
his mouth.
81 didn't finish my story" he said
1.-The night before we sailed l told
Eleanor Of my love, and she refused
me-"
Refused your echoed Rowland
blankly.
Eyes. She's going to marry Munson,
the old millionaire. And, Rowland, II
you can bring back the pack carriers
I'd like my camera. We've got to get q
picture of the leopard Of Hafia for
your book"