It is said that no animal can withstand the steady gaze of a human eye; and many travellers in wild countries have proved this to be a fact.

On the present occasion our adventurers stared long and steadily at the wild creature before them, from a mingled feeling of surprise and horror.

In a few seconds the jaguar showed signs of being disconcerted.

It turned its head from side to side slightly, and dropped its eyes, as if to avoid their gaze.

Then turning slowly and stealthily round, it sprang with a magnificent bound into the jungle, and disappeared.
Both Martin and Barney heaved a deep sigh of relief.
"What a mercy it did not attack us!" said the former, wiping the cold perspiration from his forehead.