Fig. 30 Puma
"Well, these woods must be full of them, by the way they howled."
The yaks were calmed down after some effort, and it was found that the shoulder of Jack had been lacerated by the claws of the puma, but beyond that no damage was done. Both of John's shots had taken effect, and it delighted the Professor to point to the wound and then indicate, as best he could, how they owed him a debt for his skill.
The carcass was dragged out of the enclosure to keep the yaks quiet, and when this was done they seemed relieved.
"I would like to know what the other animal was?"
"It is my opinion that it was a companion to this one. They, like all animals, have a means for communicating their ideas to each other. Some English scientists have found that the hen utters twenty-three distinct notes, and that they convey different meanings. One single note, differing from another, may convey the meaning of an entire sentence uttered by man. The particular purring of a cat in one way means one thing, and when emitted in a slightly altered tone indicates something entirely different. Then, again, most animal sounds are accompanied by some distinctive movement, as, for instance, the striking squeal of a hen, accompanied by the crouching attitude, together indicate the appearance of a hawk as plainly as though it uttered the warning in words. It is obvious, therefore, that all the sounds made by animals, such as cackling, clucking, crooning, purring, crowing, growling, and roaring, as well as modifications of these sounds, impart some meaning which can be distinguished by their kind, and are frequently recognized by others."
This explanation appealed to George. "I know the moment Angel is pleased, or when he is excited, and now that I think of it, I am sure that he has several ways of expressing his meaning, and I am going to try and see whether I can tell the difference hereafter when he tries to talk."
There was little sleep that night, except on the part of John, who was soon asleep. When morning broke they had an opportunity to examine the dead animal. It had a uniform gray color, fading into a white in the under part of its body, and with a very long, supple tail.
"The animal is sometimes called the panther, or 'painter,' as it is familiarly known; and it is regarded by some authorities as the cougar. It inhabits the whole of America. Its home is among the branches of trees, and is a dangerous antagonist when wounded or cornered."