“They want the grapnel lowered, Rob, my lad. Can you— Why, whatever is this?”
The aspect of the puma changed in an instant. Its ears went down nearly flat upon its head, and it started upon all-fours, tossing its tail about and uttering a menacing growl.
Brazier started back, and Rob knew for what.
“No, no, Mr Brazier,” he cried; “don’t do that. The poor thing came on board during the storm. It’s quite tame. Look here, sir, look.”
As he spoke in quite a fit of desperation, he began patting and soothing the animal, and when Brazier peered out again, in company with a loaded gun, the puma was responding to Rob’s caresses in the most friendly way.
“Anything the matter, sir?” said Shaddy from beyond the cabin. “Can’t you get the grapnel overboard?”
“Come and look here,” whispered Brazier; and their guide crept into the cabin and peered out behind, his face puckering up into a grin.
“What is to be done?” whispered Brazier; “I can’t fire without hitting the boy.”
“Then I wouldn’t fire, sir,” replied Shaddy. “’Sides, there ain’t no need. The thing’s quite a cub, I think, and tame enough. I don’t suppose it’ll show fight if we let it alone.”
“Stop, man! What are you going to do?”