Such scenery could hardly be eclipsed anywhere else in the world. The two men could not help but gaze upon it with wonderment.
“Be me sowl,” averred Barney, “it’s a long way down there.”
“That is true,” agreed Nicodemus. “I wouldn’t care to walk it. But—hello! what is that?”
The captain came to a sudden halt, and raised his gun with one finger ready on the trigger.
There was good cause for this. Along the mountain wall there was creeping toward them a huge black form flattened against the ledges.
It required but a glance for the captain to recognize the deadly foe of the South American traveler, the puma, or mountain lion.
The creature was bent upon attacking them, as could be readily seen. It was a moment of peril.
“Separate!” said the captain sharply, moving to the right. “Keep your eyes open, Barney!”
“All roight, sor!”
This movement seemed for a moment to disconcert the puma. It seemed in a quandary as to what direction to take.