"Oh, nothing important.

I wanted to make some investigations in natural history out there in the bushes, and as I needed a light for the purpose I took it." "An' if I'm not pressin' too much," said the Panther, in mock humility, "may I make so bold as to ask our young Solomon what is natural history ?" "Natural history is the study of animals.

I saw a panther in the bushes and I went out there to examine him.

I saw that he was a big fellow, but he ran away so fast I could tell no more about him." "You scared him away with the torch instead of shooting," said Obed.

"It was well done, but it took a stout heart.