Mr.Goodenough and Frank stood together, while the Houssas, scattered round, were hunting like well trained dogs for a sign.

Suddenly there was a sharp roar, and from the bough of a tree close by a great body sprang through the air and alighted within a yard of Frank.

The latter, in his surprise, sprang back, stumbled and fell, but in an instant the report of the two barrels of Mr.Goodenough's rifle rang out.

In a moment Frank was on his feet again ready to fire.

The leopard, however, lay dead, its skull almost blown off.
"You have had another narrow escape," Mr.Goodenough said.