The situation in which the animal was found enabled them to clear up the mystery.

It was lying by the foot of a large tree, against which, no doubt, it had got the squeeze that had killed it.

While retreating it had sprung upon Jeanette; and the latter, in her endeavours to escape, had in the darkness rushed violently against the tree, crushing the cougar, and killing it instantly! The fierce brute had left the trace of its claws upon Jeanette's back and withers; and a deep gash under her throat showed where its teeth had been buried.

It was fortunate for the mule she had rushed against the tree, else the cougar would have held on until he had drunk the life-blood from her veins--as this is the mode by which these animals put their prey to death.
It was now morning, but the young hunters having been awake nearly all the night, were weary and could have gone to rest.

This, however, they did not think prudent.