I dared not breathe again, but the time had come when I felt that I must do so, though I was sure that it would be the signal for my death.
"Then I knew not what had happened.

There was a sharp pain as the leopard's claws contracted, and then there was a loud roar, and its weight was removed from me.

Then I heard it snarl, as if about to spring.

Then came the sound of a gun, a fall, and a struggle; and then the sound of another gun.

Then I heard your shout, and knew the beast was dead.
"Now, sir, what can I do for you?
Shall I first skin the leopard ?" "I care not for the skin," Stanley said.