"The panther is long and slim.

Tom is not only long, but thick an' round.

I've had him four years.

An' he was a kitten no bigger 'n my fist when I got him." "Is he perfectly tame--safe ?" asked Helen, anxiously.
"I've never told anybody that Tom was safe, but he is," replied Dale.
"You can absolutely believe it.

A wild cougar wouldn't attack a man unless cornered or starved.