He was thirsty but he could not drink. Others had reached the pool before him.
Three pumas, the panthers of the Amazon, had gathered at the water’s edge and were drinking contentedly.
Again the growl in Bomba’s throat. He raised his revolver in an impulsive gesture, but quickly lowered it. Caution told him it was wiser not to enrage such powerful foes. They were three to one. Bomba still desired to live.
There was a movement behind him.
Bomba turned swiftly about, every muscle tense to meet an attack from the newcomer!
CHAPTER XIX
A BATTLE ROYAL
There came the padding of feet and a pushing aside of the bushes, and Bomba could see the outlines of a great body of some member of the four-footed tribe advancing toward him.
Some other denizen of the jungle coming to refresh himself at the water hole. Bomba’s pulses beat fast. There were enemies now behind him as well as in front of him. They had come to enjoy a drink. They might stay to enjoy a feast, with Bomba furnishing the material for the banquet. It was a gruesome prospect, and Bomba could feel the chills creeping over him.
He gripped his weapon tightly, prepared to sell his life dearly, though he knew that against such odds he had no chance of escape.
The bushes parted and a great head looked through.