Compton's shirt gave way with a tear, and outside in the dark the leopard screamed.

Inside the cry was answered by the howl of a jackal.
"It's our jackal," shouted Venning.
"Where--what ?" "Here;" and Venning laughed hysterically.

"Poor old chap!" then, "Good old jacky!" "Nonsense!" said Compton; but his band groped out in the dark, and when he felt the rough tongue, he joined in the laugh.

They were as pleased as if Mr.Hums or Muata had returned.
"Did the brute really hook you ?" "Forced his paw through," said Compton, shuddering, "but the jackal bit him." The jackal's tail thumped the ground, then they felt it stiffen, and were again on the alert.

Venning ran his fingers lightly along the jackal's back till he reached the nose, which was pointing straight up.