The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1915-11-12

ing for the dawn and the coming of
the leopard OF Hafla. Pearson recalled
all the stories of this man eating ter.
ror which Ali had poured in his ears,
and then his thoughts drifted to James
Rowland and how changed he was
from the man he had always known.
At the beginning Of the expedition
Rowland had been companionable
enough. but latterly he had grown
moody and silent and almost unbeara
bly, taciturn.
Then pcnrson's thoughts few to a
girl back theie in New York. Eleanor
Browning. He had asked her to marry
him the night he called to say fare
well. and She
Howland's voice cut the silence like
knife.
Il think your friend is coming,
Pearson"
Pearson leaped to his feet and reach
ed for his gun.
1t was gone.
"My gum" he said hastily.
AS he spoke he saw in the pale day.
light the crouching form Of a magnifi
cent leopard. 1t was on the farther
edge of small semicircle formed by
brush and rocks.
Pearson looked around and rubbed
his eyes.
Vanished were the tent and the bear
ers and their cumbersome packs.
Only Howland stood there. a cold,
Cynical Sp,iIa on b;S line UIn mo-, Lam
ing on his own gun.
What does it all mean?" snapped
Pearson impatiently. why the melo
dramatic atmosphere"
1T should be tragic. You're going'to
die. Pearson. a horrible death. I've
planned it since l asked you to join
my expedition. You are going to meet
the leopard of Hata In 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. IL loved Eleanor
Browning. but she refused to marry
me. knew the reason why. and so
planned to bring you with me. If ]
cannot have her you never shall!''
"Fool!' cried Pearson angrlly, his
eyes never leaving that splendid saw.
age form beyond the semicircle. IL
love her, too, and | 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. hut this
contest with II 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 bowlder.
In the middle Of the arena the leopard
paused. its long tail switching slowly.
its orange hide ripping over the quiv-
ering muscles. Suddenly it screamed
and 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 a 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 1t takes
to relate 1t the leopard made another
quivering leap ut its victim, and as the
great bulk of flesh bore him to the
ground Bob heard 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? 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 1t instantly.
Forgive me, Bob" whispered How
land. II was quite mad until that last
scream and then my brain cleared, and
| knew myself for murderer. Then
| fired, thank God! ! have saved you
for her!"
Bob Pearson found Howland's hand
and chung to it. A &ry smile twisted
his mouth
IL didn't finish my story" he said.
THE night before we sailed I told
Eleanor Of my love. and she refused
me-"
Refused youv' echoed Uowland